Does Liatris reseed itself?

Answered by Michael Wilson

Liatris plants have a tendency to reseed themselves, which can be quite beneficial if you are looking to gradually fill in a large area with these beautiful plants. I have personally experienced this reseeding phenomenon in my own garden, and it’s always a pleasant surprise to see new Liatris plants popping up in unexpected places.

When it comes to planting Liatris, it’s important to note that most varieties are typically sold as corms. These corms are essentially underground storage organs that contain the plant’s nutrients and energy. To get started, you’ll want to plant the corms about 8 inches apart from each other, giving them enough space to grow and spread. Dig a hole that is approximately 2 inches deep, place the corm in the hole, and cover it up with soil.

Now, the interesting thing about Liatris is that once they establish themselves in your garden, they often begin to self-sow. This means that the plants will produce seeds, which will then fall to the ground and germinate, giving rise to new Liatris plants. This natural process of reseeding allows the plants to gradually fill in the surrounding area, creating a lovely and visually appealing display.

One of the advantages of Liatris reseeding itself is that it takes some of the guesswork out of gardening. Instead of manually propagating new plants or purchasing additional ones, you can simply let nature take its course and allow the Liatris plants to spread on their own. Of course, this also means that you may end up with Liatris plants in unexpected places, but I personally find that to be part of the charm.

Another benefit of reseeding is that it can help create a more natural look in your garden. As the plants spread and fill in the area, they create a sense of continuity and cohesion. This can be particularly appealing if you are going for a more wild or meadow-like aesthetic in your garden design.

However, it’s important to note that not all Liatris varieties will reseed themselves as readily as others. Some cultivars may produce fewer seeds or have a lower rate of germination. Additionally, factors such as climate, soil conditions, and maintenance practices can also influence the reseeding success. So, while reseeding is a common characteristic of Liatris plants, it may vary from one variety to another and from one garden to another.

Liatris plants do have the ability to reseed themselves, which can be a wonderful way to gradually fill in a large area with these stunning flowers. By planting the corms 8 inches apart and 2 inches deep, you can give the plants the space they need to grow and spread. And once they establish themselves, you can sit back and enjoy the beauty of Liatris as they self-sow and create a natural and visually pleasing display in your garden.