Alba Gayfeather

Light Needs

Full Sun

(6+ Hours Direct Sun)

Mature Height

2-3 Feet

Mature Spread

1-2 Feet

Growing Zones

3 to 9

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.

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