Should Gayfeather (Liatris Spicata) bulbs be removed from the soil during wintertime?

Answer 1

I live in New England and planted several two years ago. They came up perfectly a year ago even thought I did not dig them up the previous fall. I expect them to show up this spring as good as ever. I chose them for their low-maintenance and am not planning to ever be digging them up. They can withstand very low temperatures so that is unnecessary.

Answer 2

The Gayfeather performs best when it is grown in full sun, but will tolerate a bit of light shade. Liatris does not like soggy soil during the winter months so good drainage is extremely important. Once established, it is fairly drought tolerant.
The Liatris will tend to develop mildew if it has insufficient sunlight and air circulation, so be sure to give it plenty of room.
Gayfeather may be started from seeds sown indoors at 65-75 degrees or directly into the garden in early Spring, but they will not bloom until their second year. Germination takes from 20 to 45 days.
Large clumps should be dug and divided in the Spring, every three to four years. The divisions, or other new plants should be set 15 inches apart, in rich, slightly sandy soil.

In other words, no, you shouldn't have to lift them - unless you soil gets water logged.

Answer 3

My copy of The Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Wildflowers lists five species of Liaris, all hardy.

Hardy bulbs should NOT be lifted to overwinter out of the ground, because they need a cold winter in the ground to develop roots and buds for the next year's new growth.

Answer 4

I have just planted Gayfeather and they don't appear to be bulbs, I think they are corms and as such can't be treated as bulbs so leave the to flower the following year, any I have planted in the past are still doing well.

Answer 5

I have never lifted the bulbs, i have left it in the soil for over 3 years now and my flowers just improve. I will probably seperate them after they have flowered this year , i love them. Gardener, taught myself and learnt by my mistakes, not to thick though:)))

Answer 6

Nope. That said, mine are under thick bush of verbena and about 7 to 8 inches of mulch.

Once established, if you want to split them, do it in the spring.

Answer 7

Unless you are in a very wet climate they should be fine!
But you might need to dig them up in the spring every 3 years or so to divide them up!

Answer 8

I live in North Carolina and leave mine in the ground.

Answer 9

It might depend on where you live. In zone 5 where I live , I just leave them and they do fine.

Answer 10

No.

But you should dig them up in March if you want to split them