Description

Liatris spicata ‘Alba’ is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial with upright spikes of fluffy white flowers, bringing clean vertical structure to summer borders. Flowers typically appear from summer into early autumn and can reach around 0.5–1 m in height in good conditions. It performs best in a sunny position and in soil that is moist but well-drained; avoid winter wet or waterlogged ground. Supplied as dry, dormant corms/bulbs (not potted plants), ready for planting in the appropriate season. Liatris works well in prairie-style planting, wildlife gardens and as a cut flower. As with all bulbs/corms, results vary with planting time, weather and growing conditions.

Also known as (other names):
Blazing Star, Gayfeather, Dense Blazing Star, Button Snakewort / Button Snakeroot, Kansas Gay Feather

Key Benefits

• Elegant white flower spikes for a bright, clean look in borders
• Summer into early autumn flowering
• Perennial – returns each year once established
• Great for naturalistic / prairie-style planting
• Excellent vertical accent without taking much ground space
• Suitable for cut flowers
• Generally regarded as pest and disease free in normal conditions
• Pairs well with ornamental grasses and late-summer colour plants
• Works in borders and large containers (with good drainage)

Product Details

• Product: Liatris spicata ‘Alba’ (White Blazing Star)
• Pack size: 10 corms/bulbs
• Flower colour: White
• Bulb/Corm size: Not specified on the current listing (add if known)
• Plant type: Herbaceous perennial (grown from corms)
• Best position: Full sun
• Soil: Moist but well-drained (avoid waterlogging, especially in winter)

Pollinator Friendly

Liatris spicata ‘Alba’ will provide nectar and pollen for bees and other types of pollinating insects. Wildlife activity can vary by location, weather and season.

Best Companion Bulbs to Plant Together

For a longer season of interest, combine Liatris with other sun-loving bulbs/corms/tubers and stagger flowering times:

• Allium (ornamental alliums): spring to early summer interest before Liatris starts
• Gladiolus corms: complementary summer spikes and strong vertical form
• Crocosmia corms: midsummer colour and movement in sunny borders
• Lilium (lilies): summer flowering with similar sunny border use
• Dahlia tubers: late summer to autumn colour after Liatris begins flowering

More Reasons to Choose Liatris

• Ideal for wildlife and pollinator-friendly garden schemes
• Clump-forming habit – looks best planted in small groups
• Good for borders, beds and prairie-style planting
• Creates height and structure without becoming bulky
• Great “late-season” interest when many spring bulbs are finished
• Can be grown in large pots with free-draining compost
• Distinctive bottlebrush-like blooms
• Upright growth habit stays tidy through the season
• Easy to maintain with the right drainage
• Can be lifted and divided every few years to refresh clumps

Growing Information

• Flowering time: Summer into early autumn
• Height: Approx. 0.5–1 m at maturity
• Position: Full sun
• Soil: Moist but well-drained; avoid winter wet

Planting Guide (simple steps)

1. Unpack on arrival and store cool and dry until planting.
2. Plant in spring once the risk of hard frost has passed.
3. Choose a sunny spot with free-draining soil (add grit if your soil holds water).
4. Plant corms around 15 cm deep with the buds facing upwards.
5. Space corms roughly 10–20 cm apart.
6. Water-in after planting and keep lightly hydrated once in growth (avoid overwatering).

Good to know

• RHS notes Liatris has narrow, grass-like foliage and bottlebrush-like spikes that open from the top down.
• It prefers soil that stays reliably moist but is not wet over winter.
• Deadhead after flowering, then cut stems down in winter for a tidy reset.
• Clumps can be divided every few years in spring to maintain vigour.

What You Will Receive

• Liatris spicata ‘Alba’ – pack of 10 corms/bulbs
• Eco-friendly recyclable packaging
• Planting and care instructions included

Thank you for looking.