Purple-pink flower spikes open from the top down on Liatris spicata, creating vertical summer color in sunny borders and prairie-style plantings. The blooms draw bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, while the spikes can be cut for fresh or dried arrangements.
This clump-forming perennial grows about 2 to 5 feet tall with narrow green leaves along upright stems. Plant it in moist, well-drained soil in full sun, water regularly during its first growing season, and maintain good winter drainage. Deadhead spent spikes, then cut stems to the ground in winter.