Species Stokes' aster
purple-blue flowers with beige center, peach-plum stamens and lime-green leaves

Stokes' aster

Stokesia laevis 'Wyoming'

Stokes' aster (Stokesia laevis 'Wyoming') is a resilient perennial with striking purple-blue flowers that bloom in early summer and last until autumn. The plant can reach 18 inches in height and has bright green lush foliage with a maroon-green center. It is drought tolerant and prefers moist well-drained soil in a sunny spot. This low-maintenance plant makes a great addition to a pollinator garden, attracting butterflies and bees with its dazzling inflorescences. Its vibrant orchid-like flowers look especially attractive when used in beds and borders, rock gardens, and containers.

Cycle:

Herbaceous Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Division,Root 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:

green

Growth Rate:

High

Maintenance:

Low

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Stokes' aster requires 1 inch of water every 7-10 days during the summer. Avoid excessive watering as this can cause root rot. In colder months, allow the plant's soil to dry out between waterings. During the cold winter months, the plant may need only occasional watering depending on temperatures and how much rain is received. It is more important not to over-water in winter than to water too little.

sunlight

Stokes' aster prefers full sun, and will need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day for optimal growth. The plant should be placed in an area that receives morning sun and afternoon shade to prevent sun scalding. Early morning and late afternoon sunlight will also help the plant to maintain its vibrant color. Make sure to give the Stokes' aster plenty of room to grow and spread, as it can grow over 18” tall and wide.

pruning

Stokes' aster should be pruned once a year in late winter before the new growth appears. Pruning should be done lightly to minimize stress on the plant. Remove any dead, diseased, or damaged stems, and also trim back any stems that are larger than what is desired. Cut back each stem to within 1 to 2 buds of the plant's base. This will encourage new growth and help the plant stay healthy and produce more blooms.

Season

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

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

Starts Flowering

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

Harvest Fruit

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

Hardiness Map