I have white liatris in my garden that never turned white. They grew to be healthy, and I am perplexed as to why it never bloomed. They are in full sun. I watered it enough, even fed it my beautiful compost, but why hasn't it bloomed for me?
You may need to add more phosphorus to the soil, which helps promote blooming. This article will help: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/phosphorus-plant-growth.htm
Can I separate the liatris corm with more than 20 spikes if it is June 16 in the northeast zone 8?
Division may only be needed every few years and is usually done in the fall after they die back but spring division can be done as well, if necessary. I would not try to do it if it's hot out.
The soldiers did well with water and sun. Wouldn't you know the next 2 days the temp turned 80 degrees? The spikes drooped. What to do now?
When a plant is dug and separated, it will usually experience transplant shock. When digging, roots are severed. When replanted into a sunny area, the shock will be greater. Your plant has just had "major surgery", give it time to heal and recover. When a plant is disturbed during bloom, generally the blooms suffer. Keep it watered, but not soppy wet and give a little shade during the heat of the day (11-6).
My son broke one of my liatris stems just as it was about to bloom. Is it possible to root them indoors?
Liatris is usually propagated by seed or corm division. I can't find any indication anywhere that you can root cuttings, although they make nice cut flowers. This article has growing tips: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/liatris/liatris-blazing-star.htm
After blooming, should I cut off dead flower?
Rather than a matter of "should you," it's more "what do you want." If you cut off the spent flowers, your plants will look neater, they may be encouraged to flower more and longer, and the leaves and roots will be stronger because they're not expending energy to make seeds. If you don't cut off the flowers, they will go to seed and probably reseed themselves, also you can gather the seeds and give them away or plant more liatris beds. Or you can cut some off, and leave some others (the biggest, strongest, or prettiest ones) to make seed. Up to you.
Here's an article on liatris growing: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/liatris/liatris-blazing-star.htm
We purchased this spring a Gayfeather plant. It was beautiful when we got it, but the flower faded and hasn't had flowers anymore. Do we cut the ones that bloomed already?
I like to trim out the flowers after they have faded.
You should have more and more flowers each year.
Here is a link with more information.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/liatris/liatris-blazing-star.htm
I just bought some Liatris bulbs (20 in a pack) from Fleet Farm. My question is, should I plant them now or keep them in a dry, cool area and plant them next spring?
You could do either option.
You may even want to plant up the corms in February for a head start for you next year garden.
Start them in a good quality potting mix and keep watered and warm. When the plants emerge you will need to place them in a good sunny location or under a grow light until the danger of frost is over.
Here is a link with more information.
Follow the directions at the end of the article if you choose to hold the bulbs until spring.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/liatris/liatris-blazing-star.htm