Stokesia laevis

With large fringed flowers Stokesia laevis is a clump forming evergreen perennial originally from the southern states of the USA.

The flowers face upwards and are wonderfully open making a great display from summer through to autumn.

In the garden Stokesia laevis works well in the mixed border or as a part of a cottage garden, also useful as a ‘filler’.

Frost tolerant, coping well with seaside conditions and generally pest free makes this a useful garden plant. Generally not a good performer in damp humid conditions so not one for the tropical areas.

Is it really evergreen ? Yes is warmer climates it is, however in cooler areas the foliage tends to look a little ragged in winter and gardeners often do a ‘tidy up’ by pruning back hard.

Pruning back also helps revitalize the plant and keep it bushy, this is also a great time to weed around the plants and apply mulch.

How to Grow Stokesia laevis

Although this is a hardy plant it grows best in a humus rich moisture retentive soil.

• Full sun to part shade with flowering more prolific with good sun. In warmer zones afternoon light shade is recommended.
• Fertilizer should be applied in spring and again in late summer, a general purpose slow release type is usually sufficient.
• Water when the soil begins to dry.
• We do recommend mulching around Stokesia laevis with some well rotted compost in early spring.

Pruning Stokesia laevis

Pruning is generally not required although plants should be deadheaded after flowering to promote a second flush of growth.

Simply use garden snips to remove the flower stem at the base.

Cultivars and Varieties

• S. laevis ‘Rosea’ is the pink flowering form.
• S. laevis ‘Blue Danube’ has blue to mauve flowers.
• S. laevis ‘Blue Moon’, very attractive blue flowers.
• S. laevis ‘Blue Parasols’, flowers are a lilac blue.
• Mega Mel’s is a variety with larger flowers than most.

Available for sale from the following nurseries

LYNN'S RARE PLANTS
PO Box 7040 Leura NSW 2780
Rare woodland plants, Trilliums Epimediums, Arisaemas, plus much more.www.lynnsrareplants.com.au

We Are Asked

• Can you use Stokes Aster for Cut Flowers?
  Yes the flower stems are strong enough.
• Does Stokes Aster spread?
  Yes it will form a clump over time and can be divided in early spring.
• How to promote more flowers?
  Deadhead s the flowers die back to increase blooms.
• Do you prune Stokes Aster?
  In early spring prune away any dead or damaged foliage.
• Is Stokesia laevis evergreen?
  Yes in warmer climate zones it is evergreen.