Walmart's Blazing Star: A Gardener's Guide to Affordable Beauty

Walmart’s Blazing Star Bonanza: A Gardener’s Delight?

Recently, a surprising discovery at Walmart has sparked a buzz among gardening enthusiasts: the availability of Liatris spicata bulbs, commonly known as Blazing Star, at an incredibly affordable price. This has led to questions, excitement, and a touch of healthy skepticism among gardeners eager to add this striking perennial to their landscapes.

The Allure of Liatris spicata

Liatris spicata is a beloved native perennial known for its unique vertical flower spikes that bloom in shades of purple. These striking blooms attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, making them a valuable addition to any garden aiming to support local ecosystems. Beyond their beauty and ecological benefits, Blazing Stars are relatively low-maintenance plants, thriving in full sun and well-drained soil. Their adaptability and resilience make them a popular choice for both experienced and novice gardeners.

Unpacking the Walmart Find

The excitement around the Walmart find stems from the attractive price point. Offering a pack of four bulbs for a few dollars is a steal, especially considering the cost of plants from nurseries and garden centers. However, the package details raise some interesting questions that any discerning gardener would want to address.

”Mixed” – Decoding the Color Palette

The package description often includes the term “Mixed,” which can be a bit ambiguous. For Liatris spicata, the natural and most commonly seen color is a vibrant purple. The question arises: what does “Mixed” mean in this context? Does it include different shades of purple? Or, perhaps, is there the possibility of encountering cultivars with white or other colored blooms?

• Naturally Occurring Colors: While purple is the dominant color in Liatris spicata, variations can exist within a species. Subtle differences in hue might be present, leading to a range of purple shades within a “Mixed” offering.
• Cultivars and Hybrids: The presence of other colors, such as white or pink, usually indicates that the “Mixed” selection includes cultivars or hybrids. These are plants that have been selectively bred to exhibit specific traits, in this case, different flower colors. When a mix contains different colors it means it’s a cultivar.

To clarify what “Mixed” means in a specific package, it’s always a good idea to read the fine print, if available, or look for additional information about the cultivars included. The product image can also be insightful.

The Netherlands Connection: Sourcing and Quality

The label “Product of the Netherlands” can also raise some questions. The Netherlands is a major exporter of flower bulbs. Dutch bulb producers are known for their expertise in bulb cultivation. However, the origin of the bulbs is not a guarantee of quality. Considerations for bulb quality include:

• Storage and Handling: Proper storage and handling of bulbs are crucial. Bulbs should be firm to the touch, without signs of rot, mold, or excessive dryness. Any damage could affect their ability to sprout and thrive.
• Bulb Size: Larger bulbs generally have more stored energy, which can translate to more vigorous growth and earlier flowering. While not always explicitly stated on the package, the size of the bulbs can be an indicator of potential performance.
• Species and Cultivar Accuracy: While the packaging will specify the species, the actual product must match the information. When a product is labeled as Liatris spicata, that should be exactly what is found in the package.

Assessing the Purchase: Weighing the Pros and Cons

Given the low price and accessibility of the Walmart Blazing Star bulbs, deciding whether to purchase them requires careful consideration of the potential benefits and drawbacks.

Potential Benefits:

• Affordability: The primary advantage is the low price, which allows gardeners to experiment with Blazing Stars without a significant financial commitment.
• Accessibility: Walmart stores are widely available, making these bulbs accessible to a broad range of gardeners, regardless of their location.
• Opportunity to Grow: For gardeners who have never grown Blazing Stars before, this offers a low-risk way to try this plant in their gardens.

Potential Drawbacks:

• Unknown Mix Composition: The “Mixed” label introduces uncertainty about the colors. While this can lead to delightful surprises, it might be undesirable for gardeners seeking a specific color palette.
• Quality Concerns: The lower price can sometimes reflect a lower grade of bulbs. Careful inspection of the bulbs is essential to ensure they are healthy and viable.
• Unknown Cultivar Characteristics: If the “Mixed” selection includes cultivars, it’s essential to be aware of their specific characteristics. Some cultivars may have different bloom times, heights, or care requirements than the straight species.

Tips for Success with Liatris spicata

Regardless of where the Blazing Star bulbs are sourced, proper planting and care are essential for ensuring their success:

• Planting Time: The best time to plant Blazing Star bulbs is in the fall, a few weeks before the ground freezes. This allows the bulbs to establish roots before the winter. In milder climates, they can also be planted in early spring.
• Sunlight and Soil: Blazing Stars thrive in full sun, which is at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. They prefer well-drained soil, as they are prone to root rot if the soil is too wet. Adding compost or other organic matter to the planting area can improve drainage and fertility.
• Planting Depth and Spacing: Plant the bulbs about 3-4 inches deep and space them about 12-18 inches apart. This will provide enough room for the plants to grow and allow for good air circulation.
• Watering: Water the bulbs regularly after planting to help them establish roots. Once established, Blazing Stars are relatively drought-tolerant. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.
• Fertilizing: Fertilizing is not strictly necessary, but can be beneficial, particularly in nutrient-poor soils. A balanced, slow-release fertilizer can be applied in early spring.
• Deadheading: Deadheading, which means removing spent flower stalks, can encourage the plant to produce more blooms. Cut the stalks back to the base of the plant after the flowers have faded.
• Division: Blazing Stars can be divided every 3-4 years in the spring or fall to maintain their vigor and prevent overcrowding. Carefully dig up the clump of bulbs, separate them, and replant them at the same depth and spacing.

The Verdict: Is Walmart’s Blazing Star a Good Deal?

The decision to purchase Liatris spicata bulbs from Walmart ultimately comes down to individual preferences and priorities. If you are a budget-conscious gardener looking for an affordable way to add these beautiful perennials to your garden and are willing to take a slight risk, then the Walmart bulbs could be a good option. Carefully inspect the bulbs before purchase and be prepared to adapt your expectations to the “Mixed” color possibilities. If you are looking for a specific cultivar or have concerns about bulb quality, it might be worth exploring other sources, such as reputable nurseries or specialty bulb suppliers.

However, the affordable price point and convenience of Walmart’s offerings make it a compelling option for many gardeners. With a little bit of research, careful inspection, and proper care, these Blazing Star bulbs can transform any garden into a vibrant haven for pollinators and a source of beauty for years to come.