Liatris spicata 'Alba' (White Blazing Star) — Perennial

Overview

Liatris spicata 'Alba' is a perennial in the genus Liatris, part of the Asteraceae family. It typically grows around 0.6 m tall and 0.5 m wide. Liatris spicata 'Alba' grows best in full sun, and tolerates sandy and loamy soils. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include borders, cut flowers and pollinator gardens. It is native to Florida, Illinois, Wisconsin, West Virginia, Indiana, Kentucky, Missouri and South Carolina.

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

In the garden

Liatris spicata 'Alba' is a white-flowering cultivar of the prairie perennial Liatris within the Asteraceae family. It originates from parts of eastern North America including Florida, Illinois, Wisconsin, West Virginia, Indiana, Kentucky, Missouri and South Carolina. The variety reaches roughly 0.6 m in height with a 0.5 m spread and reliably produces blooms from July to September. Place it in a sunny spot: the plant prefers full sun and will perform best in sandy or loamy soils that remain moist but are well drained. It is also tolerant of wetter ground, so it can be used where soil does not dry out quickly. Hardiness is H7 (fully hardy) in the UK and corresponds to USDA zones 3–9, so it survives cold winters across most British gardens. Allow about 0.5 m between crowns to give each clump room to flower. Liatris spicata 'Alba' is well suited to mixed borders, pollinator beds and as a source of cut flowers; stems are appropriate for picking during its July–September flowering period. For a continuous supply of blooms, cut individual flowering stems as they open to encourage further display and material for arrangements.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Liatris

Sunlight: Full sun
Soil type: Sandy, Loamy
Soil moisture: Moist but well-drained, Wet
UK hardiness: H7

Plant details

Liatris spicata 'Alba' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Perennial
Height: 0.6 m
Spread: 0.5 m
Suggested uses: Borders, Cut flowers, Pollinator gardens
Native to: Florida, Illinois, Wisconsin, West Virginia, Indiana, Kentucky, Missouri, South Carolina

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Liatris spicata 'Alba'

Cultivation: Plant in full sun with moist, well-drained soil. Tolerates wet conditions. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms.
Pruning: Cut back to ground level in late fall or early spring before new growth begins.
Propagation: Division in spring or fall, seed sowing

Frequently asked questions

How do I grow Liatris spicata 'Alba'?

Plant in full sun with moist, well-drained soil. Tolerates wet conditions. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms.

Where is the best place to plant Liatris spicata 'Alba'?

Liatris spicata 'Alba' prefers full sun.

What soil does Liatris spicata 'Alba' need?

Liatris spicata 'Alba' grows best in sandy and loamy soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to wet.

How do I prune Liatris spicata 'Alba'?

Cut back to ground level in late fall or early spring before new growth begins.

How big does Liatris spicata 'Alba' grow?

Liatris spicata 'Alba' reaches a height of 0.6 m and a spread of 0.5 m.

Is Liatris spicata 'Alba' hardy in the UK?

Liatris spicata 'Alba' has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.