Species Stokes' aster
white-purple flowers with lime-green leaves

Stokes' aster

Stokesia laevis 'Klaus Jelitto'

Stokes' aster (Stokesia laevis 'Klaus Jelitto') is a true showstopper in the garden. Its bright blue daisy-like blooms have long lasting petals with yellow centers. It blooms profusely in late summer to early fall, and is deer tolerant. It grows to a height of 16-24 inches, and prefers average, well-drained soil. It's an easy to care for perennial that is a great addition to a cottage or informal garden. It's an excellent companion to other perennials and brightens up shady areas. Once established it can tolerate dry conditions.

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:

blue,purple Fruits In Autumn Ready In Fall

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

High

Maintenance:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Easy

watering

Stokes' aster should be watered thoroughly once a week in the Spring and Summer seasons, and every 2 weeks in the Fall and Winter. In hot summer conditions, water deeply every 3 or 4 days and use extra caution in dry climates. Be sure to check the soil before watering - If it feels damp, then your plant does not need to be watered. Additionally, make sure to water at the base of the plant as wetting the foliage can cause mildew.

sunlight

Stokes' aster is a hardy, sun-loving plant that belongs to the family Asteraceae. It thrives in full sun exposure and prefers 6-8 hours of direct sun each day, ideally between the hours of 10am and 6pm. This species does best when grown in well-drained soil with regular waterings, so be sure to water thoroughly and frequently while the plant is establishing itself and during times of hot, dry weather. Fertilize with a balanced fertilizer every spring to keep the plant growing strong. Stokes' aster is adaptable to many soils, but does best in slightly acidic soil types that are high in organic matter.

pruning

Stokes' aster should be pruned at the end of winter or early spring, just before new growth begins. Pruning should consist of removing any dead, diseased, or weak stems, as well as any crossed or damaged branches. Also trim away any dead or discolored leaves. Pruning should be kept to a minimum, leaving only healthy stems and foliage. When necessary, the plant can also be lightly shaped in early summer.

Season

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

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

Starts Flowering

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

Harvest Fruit

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

Hardiness Map