Flower profile
Liatris
Quick facts
Unlike other flowers, liatris flowers open and mature from the top of the stem downward. Clustered along the spike, they have a feathery look.
Liatris at a glance
- Colors
- Deep lavender are most common
Other colors are bluish shades, violet and white.
- Also called
- spike gayfeather
About liatrises
Unlike other flowers, liatris flowers open and mature from the top of the stem downward. Clustered along the spike, they have a feathery look. Various shades of deep lavender are most common; other colors are bluish shades, violet and white.
How to make liatrises last
- Keep them cool until they are in water. Keep your flowers in a cool place until you can get them into a flower food solution.
- Fill a clean vase with water and flower food. Use a clean, deep vase and add the flower food from your florist, following the mixing directions on the packet.
- Remove leaves below the waterline. Leaves in water promote bacterial growth that can limit water uptake by the flower.
- Re-cut the stems. Remove one to two inches with a sharp knife or clippers that will not crush the stems, then place the flowers straight into the vase.
- Keep them in a cool spot. 65 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit, away from direct sunlight, heating or cooling vents and ceiling fans.
Care steps from SAF’s flower care tips. More flower care tips →
Questions about liatrises
What colors do liatrises come in?
Liatrises come in deep lavender are most common. Other colors are bluish shades, violet and white.
How do you care for liatrises?
Keep liatrises cool until they are in water, use a clean vase with flower food, remove any leaves below the waterline, re-cut the stems by one to two inches and keep the vase at 65 to 72 degrees, away from direct sunlight and vents.
Where can I buy liatrises?
From a local SAF member florist. Enter the recipient's ZIP code on this page to find florists near them.
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