Smallhead blazing star is a small perennial herb known for its slender stems and compact cob-like clusters of delicate purple flowers blooming in late summer to fall. The plant thrives in dry, well-drained soils and open woods of its native Southeastern U.S. environments, where its tufted blooms attract butterflies and other pollinators.
I. Appearance and Characteristics
Liatris microcephala, known by the common names smallhead blazing star and smallhead gayfeather, is a species of flowering plant in the family Asteraceae. It is native to the Southeastern United States, primarily to regions of the Cumberland Plateau and Piedmont.
It’s a modestly sized plant, typically reaching 1 to 2 feet in height (30-60 cm) with a spread of about 9-12 inches (22-30 cm), making it a perfect choice for smaller gardens or spaces where a vertical accent is desired without overwhelming height.
The flowers are its standout feature. They form bottlebrush-like spikes, starting a deep, rosy purple and fading to a lighter hue as they age. Blooms are packed along the stems and are a magnet for pollinators. Post-bloom, the flowers give way to small, dry, and hard fruits (achenes) that carry seeds, which can self-sow in favorable conditions but are not aggressive spreaders.
Flowering usually occurs in mid-late summer to early fall for 3-4 weeks, bringing a welcome splash of color when many other perennials are past their prime.
The foliage is narrow and grass-like, forming a tufted mound at the plant’s base. Its texture provides an excellent contrast to broader-leaved plants.
The flowers attract various pollinators, especially bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Its blooms are a particular favorite of the endangered Monarch butterfly during migration.
II. How to Grow and Care
Smallhead blazing star is a small perennial herb known for its slender stems and compact cob-like clusters of delicate purple flowers blooming in late summer to fall. The plant thrives in dry, well-drained soils and open woods of its native Southeastern U.S. environments, where its tufted blooms attract butterflies and other pollinators.
Sunlight
The smallhead blazing star will grow in full sun and partial shade. It is most commonly grown in full sun, which encourages full growth, though most will also grow under a little shade. However, too much shade may prevent blooming and can also lead to disease. The smallhead blazing star will survive and thrive in bright sunlight and hot summers, with at least six hours of sunlight a day needed for optimum growth.
Temperature
Most smallhead blazing star species are fairly tolerant of the cold, able to tolerate temperatures down to -29 ℃. A few species are even more cold-tolerant than this, provided the soil has been mulched. The smallhead blazing star will thrive with little attention, provided it is in a sunny spot and its soil is well-drained. The plant needs about 2 cm of water a week during the heat of summer, otherwise growth may be stunted.
Watering
Adapted to the well-drained soils of its native open woodlands, smallhead blazing star thrives with minimal moisture, exhibiting a strong drought tolerance. Its water habits are balanced, leaning towards less frequent hydration needs, consistent with watering every week. Smallhead blazing star is an outdoor plant that flourishes in full sun exposure and can be particularly striking during its flowering period when adequate water is essential for maintaining vibrant blooms.
Soil
The smallhead blazing star needs to be in soil that retains moisture well without becoming soggy. Areas that dry out regularly should be avoided if possible, though most species are drought tolerant. The smallhead blazing star is tolerant of many soil types, including rocky terrain, but prefers lighter soils. Soil pH is not important if soil is well-drained, though slightly acidic soil is preferable. The smallhead blazing star will grow faster and bloom more abundantly in moist soils. Once established, it will tolerate drier conditions, as well as poorer quality soils.
Fertilizing
Grown in healthy enough soil, the smallhead blazing star does not need fertilizer. However, a little fertilizer can be added prior to new growth in the spring, or if growth is slow in the spring. An all-purpose fertilizer can be used according to package directions. A slow-release fertilizer can also be added at the bottom of the hole at time of planting to aid initial growth. In rich soils, the smallhead blazing star is unlikely to need any fertilizer.
Planting Instructions
When planting, the soil should first be covered with a 5 cm layer of compost. A 10 cm hole should then be dug through both the compost and soil underneath for each smallhead blazing star plant, with holes for each plant set 10 cm apart in each direction. Once the corms are placed and the soil tamped down over the bulbs, a thorough watering should be applied to settle down the soil. The bulbs should begin to develop roots and sprout within a few weeks. Despite its long stems and flowers, the smallhead blazing star rarely needs staking and self-supports unless its soil is soggy.
Pruning
It is important to deadhead the smallhead blazing star as flowers begin to fade. As soon as flowers start to fade, stems should be cut back to basal stems to prevent the plant from going to seed and ending its blooming season early. Pruning the stalks at the end of the season helps to stimulate vigorous growth for the following season. End of season pruning should be done by cutting the stalks back to 5 to 10 cm above the ground and covering the stalks with leaves or straw.
Propagation
Smallhead blazing star can be propagated most easily through division. Large clumpy bulbs can be dug out and separated with a sharp clean knife in the spring, just as leaves begin to emerge. Take care to cut the foliage back to about 10 to 15 cm to make digging out easier. Larger plants may need to be separated using a garden spade. Each new bulb made from the larger bulb should have at least one eye – try not to damage roots. Dividing the smallhead blazing star is a good way of keeping the plant healthy and avoiding over-crowding. This plant can also be grown from seed, but will be slow to establish.
III. Uses and Benefits
Its vertical form and late blooming make it an excellent addition to perennial borders, rock gardens, native plant gardens, and prairies. Its cut flowers are also long-lasting in bouquets, providing a unique texture and vibrant color.
IV. Harvesting and Storage
Once blooming is finished later in the year, seeds can be collected easily. For collecting seeds, a stalk can be cut off once it has finished blooming and has dried. The seeds can be stripped from the stalk by hand.
