Gayfeather or Blazing Star (Liatris)
Zones: 3-9
Bloom Span: Three Months
Growing Conditions: Easy to grow in just about any soil type, but will likely require staking if grown in rich soil. Will grow in partial shade or in full sun.
Gayfeather
Care: Liatris is a long lived plant and usually does not require division. Although they self seed, they usually do not take over a garden. The flower provides textural interest to the garden and has thin, spiky leaves.
Good Species Choices: Spike Gayfeather (Liatris spicata), which comes in shades of purple, pink, and whit
Pin Cushion Flower (Scabiosa)
Zones: 3-9
Bloom Span: Three or more months
Growing Conditions: Prefer average soil and full sun.
Care: Deadhead for prolonged bloom and improved appearance.
The plant should be divided every three to four years. Secondary stems, which can be found coming from the base of the plant, may also be rooted.
Best Species Choices: Butterfly Blue (Scabiosa caucasica) and Pink Mist (also Scabiosa caucasica
Pinks (Dianthus)
Zones: 3-9
Bloom Span: Two or more months
Growing Conditions: Prefers well-drained soil that is slightly alkaline.
Care: Dianthus plants generally do not live very long and, therefore, should be seeded or divided on a regular basis. They naturally have a long bloom time, though some will continue to rebloom with deadheading. Many species are also evergreen, providing color and interest to the garden through the entire season.
Best Species Choices: Bath’s Pink (Dianthus gratianopolitanus) and Cheddar Pink (Dianthus deltoids.
Red Hot Poker (Kniphofia)
Zones: 5-9
Bloom Span: Three or more months
Growing Conditions: Prefers well-drained soil in the winter and moist conditions in the summer. Requires winter protection in cooler zones and full sun during the growing season.
Care: Kniphophia is a spiky flower that is attractive to hummingbirds. To get long lasting blooms, be sure to provide it with the correct growing conditions. The plant does not transplant or divide well, though the young side shoots from the plant can often be removed and replanted.
Best Species Choices: Any hybrid variety, particularly Primrose Beauty (Kniphofia)
Red Valerian (Centranthus)
Zones: 3-9
Bloom Span: Three to four months
Growing Conditions: Nearly any type of soil will do, though it prefers soil that is dry and lean. In addition, it is longer lasting in cooler climates.
Care: It is difficult to start this flower from seed and is best to propagate with cuttings. It is also best to purchase the plant while in bloom to ensure you get the color you want. These plants usually do not last more than five years and should not be relocated or divided.
Best Species Choices: Albus (Centranthus rubber)
