Liatris

Liatris spicata

These tall upright plants are a designers dream, useful for any style of garden. They are structured enought for a formal garden yet fine textured enough for a meadow.

Their magenta flowers add color, but their airiness softens the color without making it too pale. They stand very straight and have very fine textured foliage. They are great “thrillers” in containers - their form makes them look good with or without the flowers. They are very reliable and very resilient. They are also easy to divide and make great cut flowers.

Even if they weren’t a wildlife supporting native, they would still be worth growing. There are white varieties, but I don’t see the point.