Stokesia laevis
Stokes’ aster
compoSitaeLavender-blue fringed daisylike flowers;
straplike green leaves
12–15 in. (8 in.) high; 15 in. wide
Full sun
Blooms July–August
Zones 5–9
pruning Deadheading can prolong
bloom through the summer. Several
flowers are borne per flower stalk and
they usually open from the top down.
Deadhead old flowers down to new
lateral flower buds, then cut the entire
stalk off at the base when all the
flowering is finished. Sporadic
rebloom may occur. Deadheading
often requires close inspection
because the old buds and the new buds
resemble each other after the petals
fall off. The basal foliage remains
evergreen into the winter. Cut off anydead foliage in the spring.
other maintenance
Well-draining soil, particularly in the
winter, is essential to survival of
Stokes’ aster. It is drought tolerant.
May frost heave with fluctuating soil
temperatures, so spring planting is
recommended; avoid fall planting.
Division in the spring is required about
every 4 years to maintain vigor.
related plantS Stokesia laevis
‘Alba’ is a white form that is rather
unattractive as the flowers fade.
Deadhead regularly to keep up the
appearance of the plant. ‘Blue Stone’
has a longer bloom period than most.
It may bloom for up to 12 weeks with
deadheading. ‘Klaus Jelitto’ was rated
by many people as their favorite out of
hundreds of perennials during an
open tour of my gardens, probably due
to the plant’s large 4-in.-diameter
sky-blue flowers and glossy, leathery
leaves.Stokesia laevis ‘Klaus Jelitto’