Species Stokes' aster
white flowers with cream center, green leaves and stems

Stokes' aster

Stokesia laevis 'Alba'

Stokes’ aster (Stokesia laevis ‘Alba’) is an attractive flowering perennial native to the southeastern United States. Growing to a height of 15–24 inches, this daisy-like plant has blue-green foliage that is covered with white flowers all summer long. Stokes’ aster is highly versatile and is suitable for use in containers, rock gardens, as edging, and in borders. This delightful plant is easy to care for and requires full sun to part shade and average soil. It’s also tolerant of heat, humidity and drought. Stokes’ aster is an excellent choice for gardeners in search of a low-maintenance and showy perennial.

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:

Fruits In Autumn Ready In

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

white

Growth Rate:

High

Maintenance:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Easy

watering

Stokes' aster (Stokesia laevis 'Alba') should be watered once every 5 to 7 days during the Spring and Summer. Water slowly and deeply to saturate the root zone and allow the soil to dry out before the next watering. During the cooler months of Fall and Winter, water only when the top inch of soil dries out. Avoid overwatering, which may cause root rot.

sunlight

Stokes' aster (Stokesia laevis 'Alba') thrives in full sun, meaning it requires at least 6 hours of direct sun each day. It grows best in the cooler climates of the northern US in USDA zone 5 or higher. However, in warmer climates, it will benefit from some light shading in the hottest part of the day. If planted in a slightly shaded location, the Stokes' aster can tolerate up to 8 hours of direct sun. In cooler climates, or when grown in direct sun, Stokes' aster will need regular watering, especially in especially dry conditions.

pruning

Stokes' aster should be pruned in late winter/early spring. It should be cut back just above the first pair of live buds, leaving about 1 to 2 inches of stem above the buds. This will help to rejuvenate the plant and encourage it to produce healthy new shoots and flowers. Dead or diseased stems can also be pruned any time of year to improve the overall appearance of the plant.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Stokesia laevis 'Alba' typically starts flowering in late spring, usually in May or June.

Starts Flowering

Stokesia laevis 'Alba' typically starts flowering in late spring, usually in May or June.

Harvest Fruit

The best time to start harvesting the fruits from Stokesia laevis 'Alba' is in July and August.

Hardiness Map