Liatris microcephala ‘White Sprite’

Liatris microcephala ‘White Sprite’, the winner of the 2010 Great Plants for Great Plains program, is a superb white-flowered selection of the typically lavender-flowered Southern Appalachian native blazing star. Liatris microcephala forms a 2′ tall x 3′ wide deciduous mound of radial spikes, each clothed with very narrow green foliage, which gives a delightfully airy appearance. Starting for us in late June, the top half of the spike opens with small white flowers, creating a frothy, see-thru appearance that’s great in textural garden design, as well as being a favorite for butterflies. This very drought tolerant perennial prefers well-drained sunny sites, particularly during the winter.