Stokes' aster
Stokesia laevis 'Purple Pixie'
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:
purple Fruits In Autumn Ready In Fall
Leaf:
Yes
Leaf Color:
purple
Growth Rate:
High
Maintenance:
Low
Drought Tolerant:
Yes
Salt Tolerant:
Yes
Care Level:
Medium
watering
Stokes' aster prefers moist soil, so it should be watered thoroughly when the top inch of the soil feels dry. They typically need to be watered 1 to 2 times each week, increasing to 2 or 3 times during the hottest summer months. Try to water at the base of the plant and never from overhead, to prevent leaf and stem rot. Mulching around the plant can help keep the soil moist.
sunlight
Stokes' aster (Stokesia laevis 'Purple Pixie') should receive full sun for at least 8 hours a day for best flowering. This plants does best in a sunny spot in the garden with a minimum of 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. However, you can get away with less if you provide afternoon shade during the hottest part of the day. Too much shade will result in poor flowering and may cause the plant to become lanky and sprawling.
pruning
Stokes' aster should be pruned regularly to keep plant size compact and encourage continuous blooming from spring to fall. Prune the plant at any time of year to remove dead, broken, or otherwise diseased wood. In late fall, Cut Stokes' aster back to 12-18 inches, removing most stems to just above soil level. This will help ensure a more robust display of blooms the following season. Expect blooms to appear in late spring and last through fall.
