Greatness and refinement performed by Liatrice spikelet
The flowerbed takes on a new look when it blooms magnificently lyatrice spicate. The breathtaking scent and shaggy panicles of bright colors make this piece of land amazingly beautiful. On the one hand, the flowers resemble true giants, on the other, unusual shaggy snakes. The first reaction to them is to touch and hug. Coming closer to the plant, one can immediately hear the heady smell of vanilla and notes of dried grass, with which it is impossible to say goodbye.
The smell emanating from flowers is used in the fight against moths. If you store a blossoming branch in a closet for six months, then insects will not come close to clothes at a distance of 10 m.
Eyes charm
Before getting to know more popular varieties, it is important to pay attention to the description of the herbaceous plant itself. The height of each peduncle is from 40 to 80 cm. There are cases when the arrows reached 1-2 meters. The first flowers appear in June, and the last ones by the beginning of August. 
The palette of colors is bright and varied. It consists of the following shades:
- white;
- purple;
- red;
- purple;
- blue.
In the photo, liatris spikelet turns out to be magnificent thanks to fluffy panicles. They are often called "steppe feathers" or "blazing stars". Several flowers bloom from one bunch at once. The petals are unusual because they are presented in the form of thin tendrils. Together, they create a lush inflorescence, which looks quite harmonious against the background of thin (width - 3 cm) leaves. Many people are surprised by the way the spikelets unfold - it starts at the top and ends at the bottom.
In autumn, the carved grassy "carpet" is covered with a bronze layer of fallen petals. This view does not spoil at all landscape design garden, on the contrary, makes it mysterious. Many gardeners have given their heart to the 3 magnificent varieties of liatris spikelet.
The plant contains valuable nectar, therefore it attracts insects: bumblebees and honey plants. Therefore, it is better to plant it at a safe distance from the playground.
About Liatrix "Blue"
The original purple shade with a red tint of amazing panicles fits perfectly into the exterior of the cottage. The height of the stems does not exceed 50 cm. The inflorescence accounts for almost 35 cm. This makes it possible to plant a crop along the curb or make a hedge out of it, but only in miniature. You can admire it for 30-45 days of the holiday season.
The scorching sun and lack of moisture will in no way affect the liatrix spikelet "Blue". He will remain the same attractive and charming. At the same time, the flower does not tolerate rainy summer. Dampness caused by stagnant water leads to root rot and powdery mildew. He also does not suit clay, as well as heavy types of soils.
The problem is groundwater is too close to the surface or spring melting of snow is delayed for a long time. In this case, the culture is planted on hills, hills, or an overall embankment is formed - alpine slide.
Alba, but not Jessica
For the garden, liatris spikelet "Alba" is a real "bride".When a light breeze begins to disturb the refined white panicles, the flower bed turns into a train / veil of a wedding dress. Such a snow-white decoration is worthy only of a world-class actress. Duration of flowering - from late June to August. The stem rises almost 100 cm above the ground.
The cultivar's tubers are very close to the surface. During rains / showers, soil can be washed away. Therefore, it is necessary to periodically spud the bushes.
Florists advise covering the rhizomes with deciduous humus (12 cm). It will serve as both fertilizer and reliable support for the plant.
Pink or purple "Flamingo"
A trip to Africa will become pointless if the tourist does not see these amazing birds. You can create your own “continent of the future” (another name for this part of the world) with the help of the delicious Flamingo spikelet liatris. Strikingly, this variety comes in both hot pink and purple hues. In most cases, the latter option is more popular than the former. The flower got its name from the shaggy ears that resemble the plumage of these African inhabitants.
Landing for the lazy
Liatris spikelet (spikata in Latin) is loved for its "docile" character. Still, a place for it is selected bright, warm and spacious. The soil must be fertile, so it is fertilized with rotted manure, compost or minerals. There are two methods of growing "blazing stars" are practiced: seeds and tubers.
The seeds fall into the ground, take root and - forward
Sowing is carried out in the spring - at the beginning of April or in the fall - at the end of October. The bed is first dug up, top dressing of natural origin is applied, and then it is loosened and irrigated with a small amount of water. At the bottom, drainage is made from stones, sand or pebbles. The holes are formed 1.5 cm deep, making them at a distance of 10 cm. After germination, the seedlings are seated in a permanent place. Three years after planting, liatris spikelet will delight the gardener with its majestic flowers.
For the southern regions, it is not necessary to wrap up the plant for wintering. In the northern parts of the country it is recommended to cover it mulch or burlap. This also applies to areas with snowless winters.
The tubers are not pretty, but strong
This is one of the fastest and most reliable breeding methods. When the green foliage leaves in the fall, the bulbs are dug up, the soil is cleaned off and divided into several parts. The diameter of each tuber is from 2 cm. After that they are sorted and sent to dry in the attic or in the pantry.
In May / August, small depressions of 7-10 cm are formed in the prepared area. They are filled with humus (1/3 of the pits). The shrub spacing is 20 cm, in some cases 30 cm.
The mother bush is divided into tubers. They do this even during flowering. At the same time, making sure that the young seedling has a strong root neck and healthy shoots. The distance of the holes is 30 cm, the depth is 20 cm.
Signs of attention to the plant
As noted, planting and caring for liatrix spikelet does not require special professionalism and skills. The culture can not be watered for a long time. However, loosening and hilling the land around the bush is a vital procedure. Mulching will make the soil airy and soft. By regularly removing weeds, the grower prolongs the life of the flower. The introduction of mineral fertilizers (in the spring - nitrogen-containing, in the summer - potassium-phosphorus) contributes to the abundant flowering of liatris spikelet. With such signs of attention, the flower bed will turn into a majestic and sophisticated decoration of the garden.