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Gayfeather - appearance, location & care tips
As a perennial with an upright habit, the splendid clefthoof attracts attention. It originates from North America and has an extremely rustic and rough appearance. Its stems do not branch out and its flower and leaf shape make it unmistakable. The genus belongs to the composite family (Asteraceae) with around 40 species. The spiked splendour card (botanical name: Liatrisspicata) is a particular focus of horticultural cultivation. If you are looking for it in its natural habitat, you should look for it in damp meadows, on the banks of bodies of water and at the edge of paths.
Origin of the summer perennial
The marsh clematis originally comes from North America, particularly in warm Florida. It can also be found in Canada and Central America.
Appearance - the growth, leaves and flowers of the splendour clematis
The splendour clematis grows upright and unbranched. It forms narrow lanceolate leaves and small flower heads that sit close together on the stem and form a long spike. The plant height is 40 to 100 cm, depending on the variety. Liatris overwinter underground in a tuberous rhizome. It is wrong to assume that liatris form bulbs, they are tubers.
How often does liatris flower?
The flowering period of the splendour clematis is in summer from June to September. What is special about the splendour clefthoof is that the spikes flower from top to bottom in purple, pink or creamy white, depending on the variety.
How long does a splendour card bloom?
Liatris bloom in the garden for around three weeks in total. In a vase as a cut flower, the liatris lasts about 10 days.
How wide does the liatris grow?
Liatris grows to a width of approx. 20 to 25 cm in the garden.
Overview of different varieties
The following varieties have proven themselves: Liatris spicata 'Kobold' is a small, purple-pink variety that grows up to 40 cm tall. Liatris spicata 'Floristan Violett' is a violet-flowering variety that is also suitable for vase cutting and grows to a height of around 80 cm. Magnificent varieties in white are Liatris spicata 'Alba' or the variety 'Floristan White'.
Which location for the splendid liatris?
The white liatris prefers a sunny, warm spot in the garden; partial shade is tolerated. The soil should be loose and humus-rich and kept moist. If the soil remains too dry for a long time, the splendour card suffers, but it also does not like waterlogging.
Information on planting & care
Is the splendid clematis perennial?
Yes, thanks to its rhizomes, the marsh clematis is perennial.
When do you cut back the splendour clematis?
The splendour clematis can be cut as a cut or dried flower. If it remains as a decorative flower, the spikes above the leaves should also be cut off after flowering to prevent seeds from forming. Pruning is carried out in late autumn or early spring around 5 cm above the ground.
When should you plant the splendour card?
Ideally, you should plant the splendour card in spring after the frost.
When does the splendour card sprout?
In spring, the rhizomes of the marigold sprout again. Depending on the climate, the flowering time of the splendour card is then from June/July.
Why isn't my splendour card flowering?
If you're wondering why your liatris isn't flowering, you've either chosen the wrong location or the liatris is struggling with disease.
Is it possible to keep the liatris in a tub?
Yes, the liatris is popular in containers because the plant is well suited as a container plant. Smaller varieties in particular, such as 'Kobolt', are ideal here.
Possible diseases and pests
Diseases rarely cause damage to the splendour card. However, you should only plant the marsh clematis where there are no voles in the garden. These like to feed on the tubers of the splendour card. Powdery mildew, leaf spot and rust are occasionally observed on the Liatris, but without causing any major damage to the plants.
Frequently asked questions & answers about the Liatris
What goes well with the splendour card?
Other low-maintenance perennials can be combined well with the liatris. These should also be sun-lovers, like well-drained soil and be suitable for prairie planting. These include delphiniums, coneflowers, yarrow, lavender, phlox and many ornamental grasses.
Is the splendour card bee-friendly?
Thanks to its nectar, the splendour card is very popular with butterflies, bees, bumblebees and other insects.
How does the splendour card propagate?
You can propagate the pasque flower by sowing seeds in autumn. If you want to propagate it by division, you should divide its rootstock in spring.
Is the splendour card poisonous?
No. The splendour clematis is not poisonous.
Is the splendour clematis hardy?
It is a certainty that the splendour clematis is hardy, especially if the soil conditions are right, the splendour clematis is absolutely frost-resistant.
Can I harvest the splendour clematis as a cut flower?
The splendid clefthoof can also be used very well as a cut flower and should be cut when the uppermost flower heads of the spike are open. The stem will keep for around 12 to 15 days in a vase. It is also suitable as a dried flower and should be fully bloomed and then dried upside down in a dry, airy and dark place.
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