Stokes' aster

Stokes' aster should be watered every 3-5 days, depending on the weather and level of soil moisture. For best results, water deeply and slowly, either in the early morning or late afternoon. Always check the soil moisture before watering. Stokes' aster likes moist but not wet soil, so if the top few inches of soil feel dry, it’s time to water. Avoid over-watering, as this can lead to root rot and other diseases. Water using a watering can, avoiding sprinklers as these can damage the blooms.

Stokes' aster (Stokesia laevis 'Purple Parasols') thrives in full sun, which means that it needs a minimum of 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. For optimal growth, Stokes' aster should be placed in an area where it can get at least 8 hours of sunlight every day. It can also tolerate partial shade, but this will likely reduce blooming and slow the plant's growth rate. If you live in an area that receives intense sunlight during the summer months, it may be a good idea to provide some afternoon shade to keep the plant from becoming overly stressed.

Stokes' aster should be pruned annually after flowering to keep the plant healthy and encourage more profuse flowering the next year. Pruning should be done in early spring, just as new shoots are beginning to emerge. This can be done with shears or hedge trimmers. Remove any dead or damaged stems, as well as any stems that have grown beyond the desired shape or size of the plant. If the Stokes' aster is growing in a container, inner stems may need to be pruned a bit more aggressively to encourage outward growth and a fuller form.