Devil's Bite

Choosing Your Devil's Bite (Liatris scariosa): Hey there, future flower gardener! Devil's Bite, also known as Liatris scariosa, is a beautiful wildflower with tall spikes of fluffy purple flowers. It’s a great choice for adding height and color to your garden or attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies.

You can start by either purchasing seeds or small plants from your local nursery. If you're just starting out, buying young plants might be easier than growing from seeds.

Timing: Devil's Bite loves warm weather and grows best when planted in the spring after the last frost. However, it can also be sown in the fall if you're patient enough to wait until next year for blooms.

Tools & Materials:

• Devil's Bite seeds or young plants
• A sunny spot in your garden or large pots (at least 12 inches deep)
• Well-draining soil (it doesn’t have to be super rich—this plant likes average soil too!)
• Watering can or hose
• Mulch (optional, but helpful)

Tip: Devil's Bite doesn't need fancy soil! As long as it drains well, this hardy plant will thrive.

If Starting with Seeds:

1. Fill small pots or seed trays with regular potting soil.
2. Sprinkle the seeds on top of the soil without covering them too deeply—just press them lightly into the surface.
3. Water gently so the soil stays moist but not soggy.
4. Place the pots in a sunny location where they'll get plenty of light.
5. Germination usually takes around 20-30 days.

Once the seedlings are about 3-4 inches tall, they’re ready to transplant outdoors.

If Using Young Plants:

1. Choose a sunny spot in your garden that gets at least 6 hours of sunlight daily.
2. Dig holes that are slightly larger than the root ball of the plant.
3. Gently place the plant in the hole, fill with soil, and pat down lightly.
4. Space each plant about 12-18 inches apart.
5. Water thoroughly after planting.

Tip: When planting in groups, Devil's Bite looks stunning when spaced evenly—it gives a natural "meadow" feel!

Sunlight Needs: Devil's Bite absolutely loves sunlight! Make sure your plants get at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight every day. If you're growing them in pots, pick the sunniest spot on your balcony or porch.

Watering Routine:

• Once established, Devil's Bite is fairly drought-tolerant, meaning it doesn’t need constant watering.
• Water once a week during dry spells, making sure the soil dries out between waterings.
• Avoid overwatering, as Devil's Bite prefers drier conditions.

Fertilizing Tips:

• Devil's Bite doesn’t require heavy fertilization. In fact, too much fertilizer can make the plant grow more leaves than flowers.
• If you want to give it a little boost, use a light application of general-purpose fertilizer in early spring.

Supporting Tall Stems: As Devil's Bite grows, its flower spikes can get quite tall (up to 4 feet!). If you notice any stems bending or flopping over, you can stake them gently using bamboo sticks or other supports.

Tip: Deadheading (removing spent flowers) can encourage more blooms throughout the season!

When to Harvest: Devil's Bite flowers typically bloom from midsummer to early fall. You’ll know they’re ready to harvest when the fluffy purple flowers open up fully along the tall spike.

How to Harvest:

• Cut the flower spikes when about 1/3 of the blooms on the spike are open.
• Use clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears to make a clean cut.
• Place the cut flowers in water immediately to keep them fresh.

Using the Flowers: Devil's Bite makes an excellent cut flower for bouquets due to its unique texture and vibrant color. You can also dry the flowers for long-lasting arrangements.

Tip: Leave some flowers on the plant if you’d like to collect seeds for next year—or let the birds enjoy them!

Q: Why aren’t my Devil’s Bite plants blooming?

A: Devil's Bite may take a full growing season before blooming, especially if started from seed. Ensure they’re getting enough sunlight—at least 6 hours daily—and avoid overwatering.

Q: Can I grow Devil’s Bite in containers?

A: Yes, you can! Just make sure the container is deep enough (at least 12 inches) and has good drainage. Place it in a sunny spot.

Q: How do I prevent my Devil’s Bite from falling over?

A: These plants can grow tall and may need staking. Use bamboo stakes or similar supports to keep them upright, especially during windy weather.

Q: My Devil’s Bite leaves are turning yellow. What should I do?

A: Yellowing leaves could mean overwatering or poor drainage. Check the soil—if it’s soggy, reduce watering and ensure the area has proper drainage.

Q: Do Devil’s Bite plants attract wildlife?

A: Absolutely! Pollinators like bees and butterflies love these flowers. Birds may also visit later in the season to eat the seeds.