111
Liatris spicata (Gayfeather, Blazing Star) is a tough, dependable plant that should be part of every perennial garden. I always forget about these plants until they start popping up in late July.
The purple spikes last throughout August attracting bees, butterflies and other beneficial pollinators.
Liatris spicata is actually a native prairie plant that grows 24 to 36 inches tall, is drought-tolerant and requires little care or attention. There’s also white version (‘Alba’) that reaches the same height. If you want something shorter you can try ‘Kobold’ which tops out at 18 inches.
The plants prefer full sun. They will also bloom in partial-sun, but you may have to stake them to keep them from flopping.