Summary
Stokes’ aster (Stokesia laevis) is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial that grows 1-2’ tall and up to 18” wide. Typically growing in moist to wet areas of the coastal plain, it performs admirably in garden soils of average moisture, though well-draining soil is key. It prefers full sun for best flowering, but will take part shade.
Flowers are borne atop erect, 2’ tall, leafy stems that arise from a basal rosette of semi-evergreen foliage. The attractive, lanceolate, medium green foliage is about 6” long and 2” wide. Flowers have a feathery appearance, created by the notched petals of the outer whorl of ray flowers. The showy flowers range in size from 2-4” in diameter, and in color from violet blue, light blue, or white. Blooming from early to mid summer, removing individual old flowers and spent flowering stems encourages further flowering into early autumn. Once flowering has finished for the season, plants can be cut back to basal foliage. Stokes’ aster’s large, showy flowers and prolific blooming make it an easy choice for a position at the front of the mixed perennial border. The ‘Riptide’ cultivar is a member of the TOTALLY STOKED™ series, and has a dense habit. Selections of this series are from the North Carolina State University hybridizing program and are proven to thrive in the heat and humidity of southern summers.
Combine with prairie dropseed (Sporobolus heterolepis) and Cranberry Lace scarlet bee balm (Monarda didyma ‘Cranberry Lace’). Incorporate into a rain garden design with Gray’s sedge (Carex grayi) for an interesting interplay of foliage and blooms. And the long stems make Stokes’ aster a stand-out as a cut flower. Bee and butterflies visit the flowers for pollen and nectar and deer and rabbit tend to ignore it. Zones 5-9.
More Details
- Sun/Shade Conditions
full-sun, part-shade - Foliage Character
semi-evergreen - Soil Moisture
moist - Flowering Period
early-summer, mid-summer - Soil PH
acidic, neutral - Flower Color
blue, lavender - Summer Foliage Color
green - Fall Foliage Color
green - Fruit/Seed Color
brown
Additional Information
Missouri Botanical Garden , Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center