Stokesia laevis

Common Names

Stokes' Aster, Stokes Aster

Summary

Stokesia laevis, native to the southeastern United States, is a herbaceous perennial with evergreen basal rosettes of lance-shaped leaves and upright stems bearing cornflower-like flower heads in blue, purple, or white, about 3–4 inches across, and growing 12–24 inches tall. Blooms occur from May to July (sometimes extending into late summer) and feature fringed ray florets surrounding a central button, with a display that attracts bees and butterflies.

For cultivation, plant in full sun with moist, well-drained soil; hardy in USDA zones 5–9; tolerates drought once established but requires protection from consistently wet winter soils. Propagation is possible by seed or division; deadhead to encourage rebloom and apply winter mulch in colder regions. Suitable uses include borders, cottage gardens, moist areas by ponds, and cut flowers.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

12-24 inches

Spread

12-18 inches

Hardiness Zones

Zones 5-9

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally Full Sun; tolerates Partial Sun and Partial Shade.

Soil Type

Acidic, well-drained, moist, fertile soil, typically loamy or sandy

Soil Drainage

Well-drained soil

Soil pH

5.5-7.5

Acidic to neutral

Bloom Color

Blue

Bloom Time

Spring to Fall

Foliage Color

Green

Fall Foliage Color

Green (evergreen)

Leaf Lifecycle

Evergreen broadleaf

Growth Rate

Rapid growth

Seasons of Interest

Spring, Summer, and Fall

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Division, Cuttings

Attracts Wildlife

Stokesia laevis attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators