Liatris : Flower Facts

Meaning

I'll try again

Origins

Liatrises have become popular additions to many floral designs. The flowers are members of the Compositae family, along with such notable blooms as chrysanthemums, cornflowers, asters and zinnias. Popularly used in contemporary floral designs. Dries very well. A sealant should be used to prevent shattering. It resembles a bottlebrush. Its foliage is dark green and grass like, and stems are woody. Unlike other flowers, liatris flowers open and mature from the top of the stem downward.

Flower Availability and Vase Life

All year round. Liatris should last about two weeks if fresh flower foods are properly used.

Care and Handling

Unlike most flowers, which open from the bottom to the top of the spike, the topmost flowers of liatris open first and blooming progresses downward, clustered along the spike, they have a feathery look. Avoid purchasing spikes with more than three-quarters of the blooms already opened.

Florist Design Uses

A strong vertical line that is best used in contemporary arrangements. Is suitable for drying but a sealant should be used.

Colours: Purple and shades of lavender, although pink, rose and white hues are gaining popularity. Various shades of deep lavender are most common; other colours are bluish shades, violet and white.