Also grown under the name Gay Feather or Blazing Star. The spikes may look like feathers but are a quite robust 1-2 feet tall. They flower blue, purple or white. I prefer a compact form like Kobold which requires no staking.

Gardenerstips on Liatris spicata

• Plant 4-6 inches apart in clumps of at least 10 bulbs for maximum impact. These wer planted singly and are just bulking up.
• The soil must be well drained over winter to stop the bulbs from rotting.
• Fully frost hardy
• Full sun to part shade Liatris species are used as food plants by butterfly and are magnets for insects particularly in late summer.
• Good for cut flowers and drying
• As a general rule divide a plant furthest away from its bloom time. So I would divide liatris in spring.