Liatris are not actually bulbs - they are a herbaceous perennial in the Aster family that develops a flattened, tuberous root system. While you can sometimes find them sold as "bulbs" by less than the most reputable dealers, they are most often sold as in spring as bareroot starts or containered plants in season at nurseries and garden centers. They are also quite easily grown from seed. They need full sun, well-drained but moisture retentive soil.

If you have the "bulbs" or tubers/roots in hand, they should be planted or at least potted now, as not being true bulbs they will dry/dessicate over winter if not in soil. If you don't yet have the tubers, wait until spring and look for started plants. Being a native plant, they should be easily found in garden centers and relatively inexpensive. And they spread and perennialize well.

Which liatris is your favorite?
You got me to thinking because I don't have this plant, and sure don't know why now, as it is so lovely.

Here are a few varieties mentioned at the link below.
* 'Alba' has pure white flowers about 18 inches tall.
* 'Callilepsis' produces long stems so is a good choice for cut flowers.
* 'Floristan Violett' is a strong-stemmed cultivar favored by professional florists for its thick, violet-hued flower spikes.
* 'Kobold' is a small, compact type with deep purple flower heads. This can be placed at the front of the perennial border.

I now want them all...lol

Additionally it says...
Depending on the species, the clump-forming plant arises from a corm, rhizome or elongated root crown.

Sue

Here is a link that might be useful: All about Liatris

Thank you so much gardengal48 & chemocurl,

I am going to save your info and come this next spring I am going to buy these for my garden! I want one of each also chemocurl..LOL! I have planted the bulb variety but I not real impressed with the results. Thanks again!

Marsha