Liatris aspera 'Alba' (White Blazing Star) — perennial

Overview

Liatris aspera 'Alba' is a perennial in the genus Liatris, part of the Asteraceae family. Liatris aspera 'Alba' grows best in full sun, and tolerates well-drained and sandy or loamy soils. Suggested uses include wildflower gardens, prairie restorations and cut flower. It is native to Missouri, South Carolina, South Dakota, Georgia, Tennessee, Florida, Kansas and Mississippi.

About

Liatris aspera 'Alba' is a perennial in the Asteraceae valued for its summer flower display. Native to several US states including Missouri, Georgia and Kansas, it suits open, well-drained sites. It flowers from July to September and prefers full sun on sandy or loamy soils with dry to medium moisture. Use it in wildflower plots, prairie restorations or for cutting.

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About the genus

Liatris, commonly known as gayfeather and blazing star is a genus of flowering plants in the tribe Eupatorieae within the family Asteraceae native to North America. Some species are used as ornamental plants, sometimes in flower bouquets. They are perennials, surviving the winter and resprouting from underground corms.

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In the garden

Liatris aspera 'Alba' belongs to the Asteraceae and originates from parts of the United States, recorded in states such as Missouri, South Carolina, South Dakota, Georgia, Tennessee, Florida, Kansas and Mississippi. As a perennial, it produces upright flowering stems that come into their prime in mid to late summer, offering bloom from July to September in the UK. Plant where it receives full sun and avoid heavy, poorly drained ground; a sandy or loamy soil that dries out between waterings suits it best. Conditions described as dry to medium moisture are ideal, so position it on a sunny border, gravelly bank or within a prairie-style mix where water does not pool. Mulch lightly only where drainage is already good to prevent winter wet developing around the crown. In the garden it fits naturally into wildflower and prairie schemes and provides long stems for cutting. Its tolerance of drier soils makes it useful on south-facing slopes or in leaner soils where more moisture-demanding perennials struggle. Flowering from July to September supplies a run of stems for late-summer displays and cutting work.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Liatris

Sunlight: full sun
Soil type: well-drained, sandy or loamy
Soil moisture: dry to medium

Plant details

Liatris aspera 'Alba' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: perennial
Suggested uses: wildflower gardens, prairie restorations, cut flower
Native to: Missouri, South Carolina, South Dakota, Georgia, Tennessee, Florida, Kansas, Mississippi

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Liatris aspera 'Alba'

Cultivation: Plant in well-drained soil in full sun. Drought tolerant once established.
Pruning: Cut back dead flower stalks after blooming to encourage fresh growth.
Propagation: Seed, division