Liatris spicata Floristan Weiss (Gayfeather)

Prized for its fluffy, pristine white flower spikes, Liatris spicata ‘Floristan Weiss’ (Gayfeather) is a perennial of great ornamental value. Flowering in succession from top to bottom over 4 weeks and more, the tufted flower heads contrast nicely with the finely textured, grassy foliage.

Prized for its fluffy, pristine white flower spikes, Liatris spicata 'Floristan Weiss' (Gayfeather) is a perennial of great ornamental value. Flowering in succession from top to bottom over 4 weeks and more, the tufted flower heads contrast nicely with the finely textured, grassy foliage. Attractive to bees, butterflies and hummingbirds, this beautiful native American enjoys a long season of interest from early to late summer and supplies winter bird food. The narrow, opposite leaves stay attractive all summer and turn a rich bronze in fall. Easy to grow and low care, Liatris spicata adds a strong vertical accent in sunny borders or prairie gardens. It helps create outstanding combinations with the warm golds of Rudbeckia or the purple blossoms of Echinacea.

  • Grows up to 3-4 ft. tall (90-120 cm) and 16-20 in. wide (40-50 cm).
  • Thrives in full sun and prefers moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soils. Tolerates heat, cold, drought and poor soils. Plants may rot over-winter if grown in heavy soil
  • Virtually pest and disease-free. This plant is deer resistant.
  • An excellent choice for perennial borders, cottage gardens or native plant gardens, prairies and meadows. Great as fresh cut flowers or in dried arrangements.
  • Deadhead regularly then cut stems down to the ground in winter.
  • Propagate by division every three to four years in spring.

Requirements

Hardiness 3
– 9

Heat Zones 1
– 9

Climate Zones 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, A2, A3
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Liatris
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Early,Mid,Late)
Height 3'
– 4'
(90cm
– 120cm)
Spread 1'
– 2'
(30cm
– 60cm)
Spacing 12″
– 15″
(30cm
– 37cm)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Dried Arrangements, Cut Flowers, Showy
Tolerance Deer, Drought
Attracts Bees, Birds, Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Garden Uses Beds and Borders
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow