Species Stokes' aster Guide

Stokes' aster

Stokesia laevis 'Peach Melba'

Cycle:

Herbaceous Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Division,Cutting,Seed Propagation,Layering Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

5 - 9

Flowers:

Blue Flowers In Summer

Sun:

Full sun, Part sun/part shade, Sheltered

Soil:

Acidic, Well-drained

Fruits:

pink,peach,white Fruits In Autumn Ready In Summer

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green,peach

Growth Rate:

High

Maintenance:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Stokes' aster requires regular watering to keep the soil moist. Depending on the weather conditions, the plant should be watered 2 to 3 times a week. It's best to water the plant deeply, saturating the soil and allowing the excess water to drain away. During hot, dry weather, daily watering may be necessary. During the cooler autumn months, watering can be decreased to about once a week.It's important to avoid overwatering the plant since this can lead to root rot.

sunlight

Stokes' aster is best suited for 6-8 hours of direct sunlight for optimal growth. During the wintertime the plant will require even more bright indirect sunlight. During the summer, it should be moved to a shadier area if it receives more than 6 hours of direct sunlight to prevent wilting. In the colder regions, the plant should be kept in a sheltered environment away from the wind.

pruning

Stokes' aster (Stokesia laevis 'Peach Melba') should be pruned when flowering begins to fade. Pruning should be done selectively and only those shoots that appear to have “gone by” should be removed. For optimal results, lightly prune the entire plant after all flowering is finished. This will encourage a bushier habit that will yield more blooms for the following season. When pruning, it is important to leave some foliage intact as this will help the plant to stay healthy and last for many years. Pruning should be light, removing no more than 1-third of the total plant.