Liatris sp. 'Georgia Giant'

Liatris 'Georgia Giant' is a most interesting blazing star, discovered in Georgia by native plant guru Doug Walker as an un-named species resembling a giant Liatris spicata. In our garden, Liatris 'Georgia Giant' has formed a tight basal clump that spikes upward to 7' tall, adorned with very thin foliage and opening in late August and September with classic purple blazing star flowers. The flowers resemble Liatris spicata, but I've never seen that species with these tall, sturdy flower spikes. We have no idea how far north this will survive, but it seems that dry soils during cold winters are important.