- Full Sun (At Least 6 Hours Of Direct Sunlight)
- Mature Height 2 - 3 Feet
- Mature Spread 1 - 2 Feet
- Growing Zones 3 - 9
- Use As A Thriller In Containers
Alba Gayfeather, also known as Liatris spicata ‘Alba,’ is the white variety of Blazing Star and is a perfect addition to a wildlife or cottage garden. This herbaceous perennial earns its keep by blooming from May until July. The pure-white flowers attract beneficial pollinators and nectar sippers like butterflies and hummingbirds and are a nice contrast to the lilac color of the more common Blazing Star. The grass-like tufts of foliage last from spring until late fall and are good camouflage for spent spring bulb foliage.
The mounding habit of the foliage makes Gayfeather a lovely plant for edging a flower bed or mass planting. The flower spike rises 2-3 feet above the foliage, adding impact to the overall plant. The high drought tolerance and moderate growth habit make it a must-have for gardening in zones 3-8. Deer resistant and rabbit resistant, Gayfeather also is susceptible to very few diseases.
Alba Gayfeather Care
Gayfeather can be grown in just about any soil as long as it is free draining and not too rich. Native perennials thrive on soils with low nutrition, and Alba Gayfeather is no different. Water new plants deeply and infrequently to encourage deeper root growth. Drip irrigation and soaker hoses are perfect for getting water directly to the root zone and evenly saturating the soil. Mulch with fine arborist chips or organic compost to help the soil hold moisture and slowly feed the plant as they decompose. Alba Gayfeather will tolerate semi-shade but blooms best when planted in 6 hours or more of full sun.
Herbaceous perennials die back entirely to the ground every fall. The only maintenance required is to clean up foliage, and mulch with a 2-3 inch layer of organic material. This will help insulate and protect the roots from severe cold snaps. When new growth emerges, remove mulch from the crown and redistribute it, evenly covering the root zone. Deadheading of individual spent flower stems can be done during the summer to keep the plant producing flowers.
Alba Gayfeather Spacing
The mature size of Alba Gayfeather is compact, with a width and height of 2-3 feet. Plant multiple plants 18 inches apart on center to ensure that air can circulate through the basal leaves.
Alba Gayfeather Information
| USDA Hardiness Zones: 3 - 9 |
| Plant Type: Perennial |
| Light Exposure: Full Sun (At Least 6 Hours Of Direct Sunlight) |
| Mature Height: 2 - 3 Feet |
| Mature Spread: 1 - 2 Feet |
| Spacing: 1 - 2 Feet |
| Habit: Upright |
| Flower Color(s): White |
| Flower Description: |
| Bloom Period: Summer |
| Foliage Type: Herbaceous |
| Foliage Color(s): Green |
| Foliage Description: |
| Seasonal Interest: Summer Flowering |
| Watering: Low |
| Resists: Deer, Disease, Pests & Insects |
| Tolerates: Heat, Drought |
| Attracts: Birds, Butterflies, Hummingbirds |
| Container Role: Thriller |
| Uses: Containers, Mass Planting |
| Features: Attracts Pollinators, Native to North America |
| Brand: American Beauties Native Plants |
| Common Name: Alba Gayfeather |
| Other Name(s): Alba Gayfeather |
| Scientific Name: Liatris spicata 'Alba' |
Container Sizes
Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on; type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.
4.5" Pot
Also Know As:
4.5" Container
Plant Age:
~ 6 months
Plant Size:
~ 3"-6"
Pot Size:
~ 4.5"H x 3.75"W
Volume:
1.42 quarts
Quart Pot
Also Know As:
Quart
Plant Age:
~ 1 year old
Plant Size:
~ 4"-8"
Pot Size:
~ 4.75"H x 4.5"W
Volume:
1.50 quarts
2.5 Quart
Also Know As:
2.5 Quart Pot
Plant Age:
~ 1.5 year old
Plant Size:
~ 8"-12"
Pot Size:
~ 6.5"H x 6.5"W
Volume:
2.20-2.30 quarts
#1 Pot
Also Know As:
#1 Container
1 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 2 year old
Plant Size:
~ 10"-14"
Pot Size:
~ 7"H x 7.75"W
Volume:
2.26-3.73 quarts
#2 Pot
Also Know As:
#2 Container
2 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 2-3 year old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-18"
Pot Size:
~ 9.5"H x 9.5"W
Volume:
1.19-1.76 gallons
#3 Pot
Also Know As:
#3 Container
3 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 3-4 year old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-30"
Pot Size:
~9.5"H x 11"W
Volume:
2.32-2.76 gallons
For more detailed information, please click here.
Plant Addict Guarantee (Included On All Plant Orders)
Plant Addicts Warranty - 1 Year (Extra Purchase Required)
Guide: How to Care for Your New Plant(s)
Planter Shipping
Standard Colors: 2-3 business days
Special Order Colors: 8 weeks - this is due to the planter being custom made with the color(s) of your choice
Please Note: On special orders there can not be any cancellations
Plant Shipping
Time of Order:
Summer Shipping
- If there is extreme heat we’ll delay shipping.
- We’ll have to review what areas the plants are traveling through along with your location
Once your plant is shipped you’ll receive an email with tracking information. Depending on the above criteria we’ll ship your plant(s) towards beginning of the following week from your order. We put together this helpful guide of what to do when you receive your plants in the mail.
It is important to know that all of our plants are clearly labeled for which growing zones the plant can survive in. The plants are thoroughly trialed and tested in every growing zone before we state the plant can grow in a zone. Again, our #1 priority is to ship the plants to you healthy and ready to thrive in your location. So we will do everything in our power to do so.
