Liatris is part of the Spicata genus and its scientific name is Spicata alba. The alba part of this plant’s botanical name means ‘white coloured’. Liatris grows as a perennial and is a flower. Being a perennial plant, it tends to grow best over several years (approx 3 years and greater).
White is useful in the mixed border as an exclamation point or accent, and the bottlebrush spikes of Liatris spicata ‘Alba’ will add vertical interest as well. It’s an old-time favorite for summer gardens and bouquets that will attract butterflies and other pollinators. Plants self sow if not deadheaded, creating a charming, naturalized look.
Liatris is a North American genus consisting of about 20 species. They are excellent for cutting, superb for drying, and beautiful in the border, especially planted in groups. Butterflies will flock to the blooms. Plants thrive in full sun and moist, well-drained soil.
One of the most popular of old-fashioned garden plants, Bleedinghearts burst into flower in late spring. Plants form a bushy, upright mound of light green foliage, with a somewhat ferny appearance. Dangling bright-pink locket flowers are held on arching stems, and these are excellent for cutting. Performs best in a rich, moist soil with partial shade, or at least protection from hot afternoon sun. After flowering, the plants should be sheared back to 6 inches tall, to rejuvenate the foliage. Even still, these often go completely dormant by midsummer, to return again the following spring.As an interesting sidenote, botanists have decided to change the name of the plant to Lamprocapnos spectabilis.
This Coral Bells selection has scalloped leaves that emerge gold in spring, deepening to amber and peach. Sprays of light-pink flowers appear in midsummer, after other selections are finished. Very sturdy habit, an excellent choice for hot, humid summer regions. Trim off any tired old leaves in spring. Protect from hot afternoon sun. A 2006 introduction from French breeder Thierry Delabroye discovered by his wife, Sandrine. The Heuchera villosa bloodlines in this hybrid contribute a velvety leaf surface, later flowering habit and exceptional sturdiness. USPP#16560: unlicensed propagation prohibited.
Heucheras are best grown in organically rich, humusy, medium moisture, well-drained soils in part shade. Parentage determines the best culture including optimum sun exposure. Unfortunately, the parentage of many hybrids in commerce today is unknown. Some hybrids will perform well in full sun, particularly in northern climates, but generally prefer some shade in the heat of the afternoon in southern locations. If grown in full sun, consistent moisture is very important. Scorch and general foliage decline may occur if soils are allowed to dry out. On the other hand, some hybrids perform well in shady locations, particularly if H. americana is a parent. Remove stems of faded flowers to encourage additional bloom. Foliage is essentially evergreen in warm winter climates. In cold winter climates such as St. Louis, the amount of retained foliage color in winter depends in large part upon the severity of the temperatures. A winter compost mulch applied after the ground freezes will help prevent root heaving. Divide clumps in spring every 3-4 years. Species plants may be grown from seed, but hybrids are usually divided in the garden.
