Stokesia (STOKE-see-uh) Common Name:  Stokes' aster Light:  - Full sun to part shade Soil:  Average to rich, well-drained Moisture:  Slightly dry Blooms:  Summer Zones:  5 - 9

Stokesia 'Honeysong Purple' Stokesia 'Peachie's Pick'

Stokesia Description and Cultural Information

Stokesia laevis, Stokes' aster. 18". Stokesia is a very pretty, long blooming summer perennial. It grows a base of lance-shaped foliage above which are held clusters of large flowers on short stems. 'Alba' has white flowers. 'Mary Gregory' has pale yellow flowers that turn to cream. 'Blue Danube' has clear blue flowers. 'Honeysong Purple' has royal purple flowers. 'Purple Parasols' starts out light blue and slowly darkens to deep violet. 'Peachie's Pick' is a long blooming purple with a semi-upright habit.

How to Grow:  Plant Stokesia in average to rich, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. Plants are quite drought tolerant but also do surprisingly well in moist, rich soil so long as they are well-drained in the winter. Divide in the spring or fall, or sow seeds outdoors in fall, plus plants will occasionally self-seed.

Landscape uses:  Stokesias make great additions to the sunny border or the rock garden. They form nice mounding clumps and are useful in groups. Combine them with yarrow, balloon flower (Platycodon), Veronica, Penstemon, and Artemisia.