White Gayfeather

Liatris spicata 'Alba'

American Beauties®

Pure White Bottlebrush Blooms Light up Gardens Mid-to-Late Summer with Elegant Contrast
Cold Hardy: Thrives in Zones 3-9
Showy White Blooms From Early Summer to Late Summer
Native, Pollinator-Friendly - Attracts Bees and Butterflies
Great Choice for Mass Planting in Butterfly Gardens

$32⁴⁵

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Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: Give this perennial at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily to keep the flower spikes sturdy and upright. If planted in too much shade, the stems will elongate and weaken, often requiring staking to keep them from flopping over.
Soil: Plant these corms in soil with excellent drainage, as sitting in wet, boggy earth during winter is the quickest way to kill them via rot. If you have heavy clay, amend the site with grit or compost, or plant on a slight mound to ensure water flows away from the crown.

Watering Requirements

Water consistently during the first season to help the corms establish a strong root system, checking that the soil dries slightly between waterings. Once established, White Gayfeather is quite drought-tolerant, though occasional deep soaking during peak summer heat keeps the foliage from browning at the base. Avoid overhead watering when possible to reduce the risk of fungal issues on the dense, grass-like leaves.

Pruning Tips

You can deadhead spent flower spikes in late summer to tidy up the plant's appearance and prevent self-sowing if you wish. Leave the basal foliage intact until early spring, then cut the entire plant back to just above the ground before new growth emerges. Leaving the dried stalks standing through winter adds interest to the landscape and provides seeds for birds.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a granular, slow-release balanced fertilizer or a layer of compost in early spring just as new green growth breaks the soil surface. Avoid heavy fertilization, especially high-nitrogen formulas, as this promotes lush, weak foliage that will cause the heavy flower spikes to topple over.

Delivery and Shipping

Preorder Shipping Schedule

We ship your plants when it's safe to transport them to your zone. Dates are estimated and subject to weather delays.

Zone 3-4	Week of March 30th
Zone 5	Week of March 16th
Zone 6-12	Week of March 2nd

Shipping Rates

Ships in 7-10 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

Under $50	$9.99
$50 - $99.99	$14.99
$100 - $149.99	$16.99
$150 - $198.99	$24.99
$199+	FREE

✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee

Pure white fireworks for your garden! The White Gayfeather (Liatris spicata 'Alba'), also known as Blazing Star, is a hardy perennial with striking bottlebrush blooms that appear in mid-to-late summer. This perennial stands tall at 2-3 feet with a narrow 1-2 foot spread, producing showy white flower spikes that attract butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds. Unlike the typical purple forms of Liatris, 'Alba' shines with clean, elegant white blooms that create a dazzling contrast in any garden!

The fine, grass-like foliage remains fresh green throughout the growing season, forming a tidy clump even when not in bloom. Flower spikes open from the top down, giving a long-lasting vertical display. A native plant to North America, Liatris has long been used in wildflower meadows and prairie plantings, symbolizing joy and celebration in the language of flowers.

Key Features

Hardy perennial with upright, spiky white blooms
Blooms in mid-to-late summer, opening top to bottom
Native North American wildflower beloved by pollinators
Grass-like foliage adds fine texture to beds and borders
Mature size: 2-3 ft tall x 1-2 ft wide
Cold-hardy Zones 3-9

Landscaping Uses

White Blazing Star is perfect for adding bold vertical interest in sunny gardens. Its size makes it a great mid-border plant or meadow accent.

Pollinator gardens and butterfly habitats
Cottage gardens and prairie-style plantings
Mass plantings for vertical drama
Cut flower arrangements (fresh or dried)
Naturalized wildflower gardens

Care & Maintenance

The White Liatris is hardy in USDA Zones 3-9. This sun-loving herbaceous perennial thrives in a wide range of soil conditions and is remarkably low-maintenance.

Planting Time: Best planted in spring or fall
Sun Requirements: Full sun for best blooms
Soil Requirements: Prefers well-drained soil; tolerates sandy, rocky, or clay soils once established
Moisture Needs: Moderate water needs; use the Finger Test to check soil moisture. Provide consistent water in the first year to establish roots.
Mulch: Apply a 3-4 inch layer of Arborist mulch to maintain soil moisture and regulate temperature.
Fertilization Needs: Light feeder; a yearly top-dressing of compost is usually sufficient.
Pruning Info: Deadhead spent blooms to prolong flowering; cut back stems to the ground in late fall or early spring.
Division Info: Can be divided every 3-4 years to prevent overcrowding and encourage vigor.
Special Perks: Deer- and rabbit-resistant, drought-tolerant, and highly attractive to pollinators.

Don't forget to order your Nature Hills Root Booster for lifelong mycorrhizal root support!

White Blooms That Light Up the Garden

Bring a spark of elegance to your perennial beds with the radiant White Gayfeather. Its tall, showy spikes, graceful foliage, and pollinator-magnet blooms make it a must-have perennial. Order your White Gayfeather today from Nature Hills and enjoy dazzling summer blooms year after year!

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Growing Zones 3-9

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is White Gayfeather drought tolerant once it's established?

White Gayfeather becomes quite drought tolerant once established, though it prefers moderate moisture. This hardy perennial thrives in sandy, rocky, or clay soils across Zones 3-9. Use the finger test to check soil moisture and provide consistent water during the first growing season.

Is White Gayfeather deer resistant?

White Gayfeather is generally deer resistant due to its tough, fibrous foliage and native prairie origins. Deer typically avoid this hardy perennial, making it excellent for problem areas in Zones 3-9. Shop at Nature Hills for this reliable, low-maintenance bloomer.

How is the plant packaged for shipping and what condition should I expect?

White Gayfeather arrives as a bare root perennial, typically dormant during shipping season. Expect a healthy root system with little to no top growth if shipped in fall or early spring. Plant immediately upon arrival or keep roots moist in cool storage until planting time.

Does White Gayfeather attract butterflies or other beneficial insects?

White Gayfeather is a magnet for butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds with its striking bottlebrush blooms. The mid-to-late summer flowers provide crucial nectar when many other plants have finished blooming. Plant in full sun for maximum pollinator appeal.

Does White Gayfeather require any special winter care or protection?

White Gayfeather is cold-hardy in Zones 3-9 and requires no special winter protection. This native perennial naturally goes dormant in winter. Simply cut back spent stems in late fall or early spring, and your plants will return reliably each year. Shop hardy perennials at naturehills.com.