Liatris is happy growing just about anywhere. The fluffy spikes of light purple flowers start blooming from the top and work their way down, so cut them early. Blooms increase as the plants become established. Liatris is available as plants, but it is also easily and inexpensively started as corms, which grow quickly and bloom the first season.

Liatris 'Kobold' is also known as 'Goblin' and is a bit shorter than more common Liatris.

However the flowers tend to be very similar for each variety.

Liatris spicata 'Kobold' - Gay Feather, Dense Blazing Star (USDA Zones 3 - 10, 2' x 2', Purple Blooms: Repeat Bloomer)

Alternatives:

• Liatris scariosa (Tall Gayfeather) 'September Glory' - The whole spike flowers at the same time, rather than in sequence from top down.