Purple Blazing Star
Liatris punctata
Perennial
Bloom
July — September
Color
Purple
Height
12—24 inches
Spread
12—18 inches
Sun
Full sun (6+ hours)
Water
Low — drought tolerant once established
A classic Colorado Front Range native wildflower, Liatris punctata brings essential vertical structure and pollinator appeal to xeriscape gardens. Its distinctive purple flower spikes bloom from mid-summer into fall, providing late-season color when many perennials fade. Extremely drought tolerant once established, it thrives in lean, well-draining soils and requires minimal supplemental water in the Colorado climate. Butterflies and native bees readily visit the flowers, making it invaluable for pollinator habitat.
Growing conditions
- Soil: Well-draining, sandy/loamy
- Sun: Full sun (6+ hours)
- Water: Low — drought tolerant once established
- Drought tolerance: Excellent
- Hardiness: Colorado native / adapted · USDA Zones 4–7
Wildlife & ecology
- Pollinator value: High — butterflies and native bees
- Landscape use: Xeriscape gardens, pollinator borders, mixed perennial beds, meadow gardens, rocky slopes.
Want Purple Blazing Star in your yard?
Xeris designs and installs native plant xeriscapes across Denver and the Front Range. We'll walk your site, assess soil and sun, and build a plan that thrives.
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