Liatris 'Floristan White'

Liatris 'Floristan White': Top-Down Bloomers in Cool Cream

Most flowers open from the bottom up. 'Floristan White' reads the instructions, ignores them and starts at the top. Fluffy creamy white spikes that pull in butterflies, bees and hummingbirds like a free buffet. REBEL WITH A CAUSE.

Plant Characteristics:

• Botanical Name: Liatris spicata 'Floristan White'
• Common Name: Blazing Star, Dense Blazing Star, Gayfeather
• Height: 75–90 cm (30–35 in)
• Spread: 30–45 cm (12–18 in)
• Flowers: Creamy white, fluffy flower heads packed into tall, dense spikes that open from the top down
• Bloom Time: Midsummer to early fall (July to September)
• Foliage: Deep green, narrow, grass-like leaves in a low clump
• Features: Rabbit resistant, excellent cut flower

Where to Plant: Plant it in groups of three or more for the strongest vertical effect in a sunny border, meadow or pollinator garden. The white spikes cool down hot colours and glow at dusk, and they make a classic cut flower, fresh or dried.

Companion Plants: Alcea 'Purple Rain' towers behind at about 180 cm with purple flowers from June to August, a dark backdrop for clean white spikes. Up front, Dianthus Pretty Poppers® 'Electric Red' stays 20 to 25 cm tall with red flowers from June to September. Eryngium 'Blue Hobbit' adds spiky blue texture at 25 to 30 cm through the summer. Plant the group in full sun for a crisp red, white and blue border.

Plant Care: Plant in full sun in average, well-drained soil. Liatris grows from a corm-like rootstock that can rot in soggy winter soil, so in heavy clay, plant it slightly high or improve the drainage. Water regularly the first season; after that it handles dry spells well. Tall spikes may lean in rich soil or wind, so avoid over-feeding. Cut the spent spikes for a tidier look, or leave them for seed-eating birds. Cut the foliage to the ground in late fall or early spring. Divide crowded clumps every three or four years in spring.

History: Liatris spicata is native to eastern North America, including the tallgrass prairies of southwestern Ontario, where wild populations are now listed as threatened. The Floristan strain was developed in Europe as a uniform, seed-grown cut-flower line and is sometimes sold under its German name, 'Floristan Weiss'.

Final Thoughts: Deer and rabbits leave it alone and it makes a stunning cut flower. Plant a clump and let your inner florist out. THE VASE HAS BEEN WAITING.