Liatris spicata 'Kobold' is a compact blazing star cultivar with striking vertical spikes of vivid purple blooms that rise above narrow grass like foliage. Its dwarf size makes it ideal for smaller gardens and containers, while still delivering bold color and pollinator appeal throughout summer. It’s especially valuable for adding upright form to borders and meadow style plantings.
Height & Spread: 18 - 24 in x 12 - 18 in
Bloom Time: Midsummer to early fall
Light Requirements: Full sun
Soil Preference: Moist to average, well drained soils
Watering Needs: Moderate; tolerates some drought once established
Deer Resistance: Rarely browsed by deer due to coarse textured foliage
Native Status
The species Liatris spicata is native to eastern North America thriving in prairies, meadows, and moist open woodlands. 'Kobold' is a cultivar selected for compact growth and dense flowering.
WILDLIFE & INSECTS
Bees
- Highly attractive to native bees such as bumblebees, leafcutter bees, and long horned bees throughout the bloom period.
Butterflies
- Visited by Monarchs, Painted Ladies, Swallowtails, and Great Spangled Fritillaries for nectar.
Moths
- Draws in day flying moths such as Hummingbird Clearwing and nocturnal species like the Five Spotted Hawk Moth.
Birds
- Goldfinches and other small songbirds feed on the seeds once the flower heads fade and dry.
Beneficial Insects
- Encourages populations of predatory wasps and parasitic flies that help control common garden pests.
Spacing & Landscape Use
Spacing Recommendations:
- Plant 12 - 15 in apart in groupings or interspersed with grasses for naturalistic effect.
Landscape Placement:
- Perfect for sunny borders, prairie gardens, pollinator plantings, and along pathways where vertical accents are needed.
Companion Plants
- Eryngium yuccifolium (Rattlesnake Master) - Adds spiny texture and silvery blue flower heads that contrast beautifully with Liatris spikes.
- Schizachyrium scoparium (Little Bluestem) - Upright native grass provides autumn structure and pairs well with Liatris’ form and color.
- Asclepias tuberosa (Butterfly Weed) - Its bright orange flowers and compact habit align well with Liatris and attract many of the same pollinators.
- Coreopsis verticillata 'Moonbeam' - Soft yellow blooms fill in the space around Liatris while echoing its fine foliage texture.
- Rudbeckia fulgida 'Goldsturm' - Long blooming yellow daisies make a bold seasonal contrast beside the purple wands of Liatris.