Photo: Blackstem Plants

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Liatris spicata 'Floristan Violet'

Spike gayfeather

If you're on a water meter take a look at these drought tolerant beauties. 

Liatris spicata are North American flowers of the prairies and were used medicinally to cure snake bites. The Floristan varieties were developed in Germany for the floristry trade and they grow taller and flower more profusely than their wild relatives. 

They retain the characteristics of the species however and are easy to grow on poor soils with good drainage. After their first year the strong root system needs little water. 

Plants form a small clump of lily-like leaves that are slender and pinnate. The tiny pure violet flowers are held aloft on tall spires, like mini rockets, that reach nearly a metre tall. 

Liartris make a cool punctuation mark between more flamboyant plants. As with most species that originate in the wild they are great for pollinators. 

Understandably they are superb, long lived cut flowers and can also be dried.