Liatris 101
Are you searching for the perfect flower and getting ready for your next planned event or wedding? Sometimes there is no right or wrong flower but a matter preference as to what fits your needs or what fits your personality. The 101 series is a series of articles helping to educate everyone with the contrasts of various flowers. You may want to read the others in this series as well as many other helpful articles.
There are three things to keep in mind with Liatris:
- Liatris are tall, narrow spike flowers consisting of dozens of tiny fuzzy blossoms graduating down the stem. Liatris are unusual in that they blossom from the top of the flower downward. The leaves are thin and grass-like. Fresh Liatris have the top one or two inches of the flower’s blossoms open, with the middle of the flower showing good size and color. The bottom blossoms do not fully develop after the Liatris is cut.
- Older Liatris have about half of the flowers open, and the tips discolored and dry. The bottom, undeveloped blossoms may have a dried appearance.
- Liatris add instant color to tall combinations, because the flowers open from tip to base. They are a versatile choice—useful in exotic bouquets as well as in more casual arrangements.
Here are some facts about Liatris:
Names: Liatris, Gay Feather, Blazing Star.
Colors: Shades of purple and magenta.
Scent: None
Freshness: The top one or two inches of flower buds are open, in the middle of the flower budded and showing good color.
Vase Life: 7 days or longer
Availability: All year
Cost: Inexpensive
Arranging Tip: Tall, slender, sturdy Liatris add a touch of intense color to tall combinations. The flowers are nonobstructive in that they do not change rapidly or shift in their aging cycle. The flowers start opening from the top downward, unlike most tall flowers whose blossoms open from the base upward. Since the flowers open from the tip, Liatris add instant color and texture. They go beautifully with exotic flowers such as lilies and orchids, and also blend into more casual combinations with delphinium and iris.
Other: Liatris pollute the water very quickly, so be sure to strip all thin bladelike leaves that fall below the waterline and change the water frequently.
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