Overview
Liatris scariosa 'White Spire' is a tufted herbaceous perennial in the genus Liatris, part of the Asteraceae family, with deciduous foliage. Liatris scariosa 'White Spire' grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, wildlife gardens and prairie planting.
About
Liatris scariosa 'White Spire' is a herbaceous perennial cultivar within the Liatris genus, known for its tufted habit and slender, grass-like leaves. This deciduous plant produces upright flower spikes that resemble bottlebrushes, with blooms emerging from the top and progressing downward. It thrives in full sun on south-facing aspects and adapts well to a variety of soil types including chalk, clay, loam, and sand, preferring moist but well-drained conditions. Hardy to UK zone H6, 'White Spire' is suitable for cottage and informal gardens, wildlife gardens, and prairie planting, offering seasonal interest from spring through autumn.
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.
Wikipedia contributors, "Liatris", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Liatris
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Liatris
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
Liatris scariosa 'White Spire' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Tufted
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens, Prairie planting
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Liatris scariosa 'White Spire'
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed sown in pots in a cold frame in autumn or by division in spring
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Liatris scariosa 'White Spire'?
Liatris scariosa 'White Spire' prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Liatris scariosa 'White Spire' need?
Liatris scariosa 'White Spire' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to well-drained.
Is Liatris scariosa 'White Spire' hardy in the UK?
Liatris scariosa 'White Spire' has an RHS hardiness rating of H6, meaning it is very hardy, tolerating -20 to -15°C across most of the UK.
How do I propagate Liatris scariosa 'White Spire'?
Propagate by seed sown in pots in a cold frame in autumn or by division in spring.
More in the Liatris genus
- Liatris asperaRough Blazing Star
- Liatris aspera 'Alba'White Blazing Star
- Liatris pycnostachyaKansas gay feather
- Liatris spicatabutton snakewort
- Liatris spicata 'Alba'White Blazing Star
- Liatris spicata 'Kobold' ('Gnome')Dense Blazing Star