Blazing Star Kobold Gayfeather

Liatris spicata 'Kobold'

Plants that Work®

Compact 18-24 Inch Kobold Cultivar Delivers Full-Size Gayfeather Blooms in Tight Spaces
Cold Hardy: Thrives in Zones 3-8
Grows 1-3 ft Tall, 1 ft Wide
Showy Purple Blooms From Early Summer to Late Summer
Native, Pollinator-Friendly - Attracts Bees and Butterflies

$36⁵⁰

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Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: This perennial thrives in full sun, requiring at least six to eight hours of direct light daily. While it can tolerate very light afternoon shade, less sun often leads to floppy stems and fewer of those signature purple flower spikes.
Soil: It prefers moderately fertile, well drained soil but is famous for its ability to handle tough clay better than most perennials. If your soil is extremely heavy, mix in some organic compost at planting to improve drainage and prevent crown rot during wet winters.

Watering Requirements

During the first growing season, provide about an inch of water per week to help the root system establish. Once mature, 'Kobold' is remarkably drought tolerant and can handle dry spells without wilting. Avoid overwatering or keeping the soil soggy, as this can lead to root issues and diminish the plant's natural vigor.

Pruning Tips

'Kobold' blooms on new growth produced during the current season. You should deadhead the flower spikes as they fade to encourage a possible second flush of smaller blooms and to keep the plant looking tidy. In late winter or very early spring, cut the entire plant back to the ground to make way for fresh, sturdy stems.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a light application of a balanced, slow release fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. Avoid using high nitrogen fertilizers late in the summer because this encourages tender green growth that won't harden off properly before the first frost. This plant actually performs best with modest feeding; too much "food" can result in weak stems that require staking.

Delivery and Shipping

Preorder Shipping Schedule

We ship your plants when it's safe to transport them to your zone. Dates are estimated and subject to weather delays.

Zone 3-4	Week of March 30th
Zone 5	Week of March 16th
Zone 6-12	Week of March 2nd

Shipping Rates

Ships in 7-10 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

Under $50	$9.99
$50 - $99.99	$14.99
$100 - $149.99	$16.99
$150 - $198.99	$24.99
$199+	FREE

✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee

Butterfly Attracting Blooms Pronounce the Blazing Star Kobold Gayfeather

Rosy-Lilac Flower Spikes
Dark Green Foliage
Adored Dearly by Beneficial Pollinators
Thrives In Full Sun

The Blazing Star Kobold Gayfeather (Liatris spicata 'Kobold') has tall, lilac-rose spike-shaped flowers with a fluffy appearance and dark green foliage. With its lovely color and strong vertical effect, it provides an interesting architectural dimension. 'Kobold Gayfeather' is well worth giving a spot in the garden!

These unique, sky reaching flowers of this native American perennial open from the top down, and bloom from June to September. It is a magnet to butterflies, hummingbirds, and other beneficial pollinators.

Don't forget to snip a few Gayfeather blooms for floral arrangements indoors, as they make great cut flowers. They also make an interesting look in dried arrangements!

The Blazing Star Kobold Gayfeather should be planted in full sun, in a well-drained area for best results. It does prefer a bit more moisture than most other Liatris types, but do be careful not to over water.

With dark green, fine textured, grassy foliage contrasting with the gorgeous blooms, Liatris 'Kobold' looks great as a perennial background, with grasses or in combination white blooming flowers, such as the Physostegia 'Miss Manners'.

The easy care Blazing Star Kobold Gayfeather can be grown in a wide range, throughout most of the United States. It maintains excellent disease resistance, and deer tend to leave it along also.

Order your Blazing Star Kobold Gayfeather to have the lovely blooms and benefits in your yard this coming season!

Botanical Name

Liatris spicata 'Kobold'
Class

Lamiales
Species

spicata
Cultivar

Kobold
Growing Zones

3-8
Height

1-3 ft
Width

1 ft
Sunlight

Full sun
Growth Rate

Moderate
Flower Color

Purple
Leaf Color

Green
Fall Color

Yellow
Native

Yes
Bloom Period

Early Summer, Late Summer
Does Not Ship To

AK, HI, ID, MT, PR

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On all orders over $199
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Growing Zones 3-8

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Frequently Asked Questions

What planting zones is Blazing Star Kobold Gayfeather hardy in?

Blazing Star Kobold Gayfeather is hardy in zones 3-9, thriving throughout most of the United States. This native perennial tolerates a wide range of climates with excellent cold hardiness. Plant in full sun with well-drained soil for best performance.

Does Blazing Star Kobold Gayfeather need full sun or can it tolerate partial shade?

Blazing Star Kobold Gayfeather requires full sun for best flowering and performance. While it may tolerate very light shade, you'll get the most robust blooms and strongest stems in 6+ hours of direct sunlight. Plant in a well-drained, sunny spot for optimal results.

How often should I water Blazing Star Kobold Gayfeather once established?

Once established, Blazing Star Kobold Gayfeather needs only occasional deep watering during dry spells. This variety prefers slightly more moisture than other Liatris types but is quite drought tolerant. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, being careful not to overwater as this can lead to root rot.

Is Blazing Star Kobold Gayfeather deer resistant?

Yes, Blazing Star Kobold Gayfeather is deer resistant - deer tend to leave this native perennial alone. The plant also maintains excellent disease resistance, making it a low-maintenance choice for gardeners. Plant it in full sun with well-drained soil for best results.

Does Blazing Star Kobold Gayfeather attract butterflies and other pollinators?

Blazing Star Kobold Gayfeather is a magnet for butterflies, hummingbirds, and beneficial pollinators with its rosy-lilac spike flowers that bloom June through September. This native American perennial's unique top-down blooming pattern provides nectar throughout the long flowering season. Plant in full sun for maximum pollinator appeal, available at naturehills.com.

How do I care for this plant in winter and does it need to be cut back?

Blazing Star Kobold Gayfeather is winter hardy and the foliage naturally dies back to the ground after frost. You can cut the stems down to 2-3 inches in late fall or early spring. Leave the seed heads if you want to collect seeds or provide winter interest, then cut back before new growth emerges in spring.