My liatris looks better with the more-than-average precipitation that we are having here this year. Often I forget to water it (It is alone in an area where we are in the process of removing a fountain) so the added moisture is a help for it. We do have really light soil, though. Maybe that makes a difference. Or maybe yours just needs divided?

According to my book 'Perennials for Every Purpose,' "Gayfeathers will grow in full sun or light shade, in just about any kind of soil, as long as it's not soaking wet in the spring." My plants are all at least four years old and over that span of time I wouldn't say they've done as well as other perennials planted around them. Two years ago we had a drought; this year has been abnormally wet. The liatris hasn't performed better or worse in either situation. Since I grow them more for the butterflies than for my own pleasure, it doesn't bother me but I have made a note of it.