Kobold Blazing Star

About this plant

Liatris spicata 'Kobold', commonly known as Kobold Blazing Star, is a compact and resilient perennial celebrated for its brilliant, bottlebrush-like flower spikes. From mid to late summer, these captivating violet-purple blooms open from the top down, attracting a flurry of pollinators and creating a truly mesmerizing display. Ideal for sunny borders, cottage gardens, or meadow plantings, 'Kobold' offers an excellent opportunity to introduce vertical accents without overwhelming smaller spaces. Its stiff, upright stems maintain a tidy appearance, even after blooming, and the grassy foliage provides a fine texture backdrop. This low-maintenance gem is a standout choice for gardeners seeking reliable color and ecological benefits. Its drought tolerance once established and resistance to pests make it a fuss-free addition to both novice and experienced gardeners' repertoires.

Installation timing

When we're in season, outside of the winter months, our goal is to get your plants installed within about two weeks. That window gives us enough time to secure your plants from our supplier and find a spot on the schedule. Throughout the process we stay in touch through notifications and your existing client portal on the main A Cut Above website, which is separate from this landscaping plants shop.

Care & maintenance

Plant in well-drained soil in a location that receives full sun. Water regularly during its first growing season to establish a strong root system, then reduce watering to only during prolonged dry spells. Deadhead spent flower spikes to encourage further blooming, though leaving some can provide winter interest and food for birds. Divide clumps every 3-4 years in early spring to maintain vigor.

Watering suggestions

Proper watering is the single most important factor in your plant's survival after installation. Newly installed plants have a limited root system and rely on you for consistent moisture while they establish.

• First 2 weeks: Water deeply every day (or every other day in cooler, wet weather), soaking the root ball and surrounding soil.
• Weeks 3–12: Water deeply 2–3 times per week, adjusting for rain, heat, and soil drainage.
• After establishment: Water deeply about once a week during the growing season, and more often in extreme heat or drought.
• How to check: Stick a finger 2–3 inches into the soil near the roots — if it's dry, it's time to water. Deep, less-frequent watering encourages strong roots; shallow daily sprinkles do not.
• Avoid: Overwatering (soggy, waterlogged soil) is just as harmful as underwatering and can drown roots.

Watering needs vary by plant, season, soil, and exposure. Because proper watering is the customer's responsibility after installation, please make sure you understand and can follow these suggestions before ordering.

Good to know: plants and trees purchased from and installed by A Cut Above include a one-year limited warranty from the date of installation. Because plant survival depends heavily on proper watering and care after installation, losses caused by improper care, neglect, animal or chemical damage, or extreme weather are not covered, and we must be given the chance to inspect a struggling plant before it's removed or replaced. Coverage is one replacement per plant. Read our warranty info.