Liatris (Blazing Star)
There’s probably nothing more versatile and easy to grow in the garden than Liatris. Tall plants emerge from mounds of narrow, grass-like leaves. Liatris flowers form along the tall spikes, and these fuzzy, thistle-like blossoms, which are usually purple, flower from the top to the bottom rather than in the traditional bottom to top blooming of most plants. In addition to their attractive blooms, the foliage remains green throughout the growing season before turning into a rich bronze color in fall.