About

This perennial with basal, lance-shaped leaves up to 20cm long forming an evergreen rosette. Upright stems to around 50cm tall with shorter, stem-clasping leaves bear cornflower-like purple-blue flowerheads in summer and early autumn.

About the genus

Stokesia are perennials producing evergreen, basal rosettes. The colourful, cornflower-like flowers are long lasting and good for cutting

Growing conditions

SunlightFull sun
Soil typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained, Moist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH4

Plant details

Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Wildlife gardens
Native toSE US

Care notes

CultivationGrow in a sunny, sheltered position in a fertile, well-drained soil; liable to rot in wet winter soils
PruningDeadhead to prolong flowering. Tidy foliage in spring when new growth appears
PropagationPropagate by seed, by division in spring or root cuttings in late winter
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free