White Blazing Star

Description

These blazing stars produce feathery white tufted flower heads that are arranged in long dense spikes.

Perfect for vases, Blazing Star maintains it’s gorgeous color. When picked with about one-third of the flowers open on each stem they can easily last 1-2 weeks.

Liatris spicata ‘Floristan White‘

Common Names: Blazing Star, Gayfeather

Zones: 3 to 8

Height: 2.00 to 4.00 feet

Spread: 0.75 to 1.50 feet

Bloom Time: May to August

Sun: Full sun

Maintenance: Low

Suggested Use: Rain Garden

Attracts: Birds, Butterflies

Tolerates: Drought, Clay Soil

Fun Fact

The blazing star had several medicinal uses among the native peoples of North America. The roots were ground and used as a pain reliever for headache, arthritis, and earaches.

The roots were also used to treat fevers and the leaves were used as a treatment for upset stomach and an antiseptic wash.

Low Maintenance

Because they bloom from the top down, you can pinch back the spent blossoms to prolong its beauty. After plants have finished blooming, the flower stalks can be cut back to their grassy basal leaves or you can leave the stalks and seed heads in place until spring to provide vertical interest throughout the winter and a food source for birds.

Gardening Tips

Divide clumps every few years, or as needed, to prevent overcrowding. Dig up the plants in spring and then cut the tuberous roots into sections with a sharp knife, making sure each section has one eye (bud).

When initially planting Blazing Star add a handful of gravel or small pebbles to the bottom of the hole.  This helps provide drainage, which is essential for Blazing Stars since they do not like to have wet roots.