A stunning perennial renowned for its tall spikes of vivid violet-purple flowers that open from the top down—a unique characteristic that makes this plant instantly recognisable. Blooming in mid to late summer, its elegant flower spikes sway gently in the breeze, adding structure, movement and vibrant colour to borders and cutting gardens. 
 
A favourite with florists and gardeners , Floristan Violet produces long, straight stems that are perfect for cutting. The flowers have an excellent vase life and also dry exceptionally well, making them ideal for both fresh bouquets and everlasting arrangements. 
 
Highly attractive to bees, butterflies and other pollinators, it is a valuable addition to wildlife-friendly gardens. Liatris thrives in a sunny, well-drained position and, once established, is remarkably drought tolerant. Although plants grown from seed require patience and generally flower in their second year, they reward gardeners with many years of reliable summer displays. 
 
Why you'll love it -  Tall, elegant violet flower spikes that bloom from the top down. Excellent cut flower with a long vase life. Ideal for drying and everlasting arrangements. Loved by bees, butterflies and other beneficial pollinators. Perfect for prairie planting, perennial borders and cottage gardens. A hardy perennial that returns year after year. Whether planted in sweeping drifts or dotted through mixed borders, Liatris 'Floristan Violet' brings graceful architecture, rich colour and exceptional cut flower quality to the summer garden. Its distinctive flower spikes and reliable performance make it a favourite for gardeners looking to create naturalistic planting schemes with lasting impact.
 
When to Sow: September–November (best, outdoors or in a cold frame) or February–April after cold stratification.
 
HOW TO SOW LIATRIS
Liatris benefits from cold, moist stratification, which improves both germination percentage and speed. Mix the seed with slightly damp vermiculite or compost and refrigerate for 8–10 weeks before sowing, (You can also use a damp paper towel inside a zip lock bag)  or sow outdoors in autumn and allow winter to provide natural stratification. Sow onto moist compost and cover very lightly with vermiculite, keeping the compost moist but never waterlogged.
 
Classification: Herbaceous perennial.
Expert Level: Intermediate, Some experience required. 
Germination Time:  14–30 days after stratification in suitable temperatures. Without stratification, germination is often slower and less reliable.
Site: Full sun (will tolerate very light shade).
Soil Type: Fertile, well-drained soils. Performs well in average garden soils and tolerates poorer soils provided drainage is good.
Soil Acidity: Neutral to slightly acidic or slightly alkaline.
Moisture: Moist but well-drained. Avoid waterlogged soils, particularly during winter. Once established, plants show good drought tolerance.
Care: Water regularly during the first growing season while plants establish. Deadhead spent flower spikes if seed isn't required, then cut stems back to ground level in winter. Divide congested clumps every 3–4 years in spring.
Use: Excellent for prairie-style planting, mixed perennial borders, pollinator gardens and cut flowers. The flower spikes also dry well, retaining much of their colour.
Harvesting: Cut when the bottom third to half of the flower spike has opened, with the upper buds still developing. This gives the longest vase life and allows the remaining florets to continue opening indoors.
Days to Maturity:  Year 2 
Vase Life: 10–14 days/ Everlasting
Height: 80–100 cm
Plant Spacing: 30–40 cm