Overview
Stokesia laevis is a perennial in the genus Stokesia, part of the Asteraceae family. Stokesia laevis grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include borders, cut flowers and rock gardens. It is native to SE US.
About
Stokesia laevis is a perennial in the daisy family that forms compact clumps bearing daisy-like flowerheads from July to September. Flower colours are most often blue or purple, with white forms and a range of cultivated colours also available. It originates from the southeastern United States and favours well-drained loamy or sandy soils. Plants perform best in full sun or light shade and are classed as hardy (H5) in the UK.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Stokesia laevis
In the garden
Stokesia laevis is a herbaceous perennial in the family Asteraceae, native to the southeastern US. It produces single, daisy-type heads through the summer, with a natural palette of blue, purple and white; named selections broaden that range into pinks and yellows. Flowering occurs from July to September. Position plants where they receive full sun or partial shade; the species tolerates an acid to alkaline soil pH and grows well in well-drained loamy or sandy soils. It will tolerate both moist and drier soils provided free drainage is maintained; avoid heavy, waterlogged situations. In UK terms the species is hardy (H5), so established crowns survive typical winter conditions without special winter protection. Stokesia suits mixed herbaceous borders, cottage-style beds, rock gardens and cutting patches where its long-lasting heads can be used in arrangements. Choose a site where the flowerheads are visible above lower foliage to make the most of their summer display. When selecting plants, pick cultivars that match your purpose—cornflower-blue forms for traditional beds, or pink and yellow selections where a rare warm tone is wanted for cut flowers.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Stokesia
- Sunlight
- full sun, partial shade
- Soil type
- well-drained, loamy, sandy
- Soil pH
- acidic, neutral, alkaline
- Soil moisture
- moist,dry
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Stokesia laevis size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- perennial
- Suggested uses
- borders, cut flowers, rock gardens
- Native to
- SE US
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Stokesia laevis
- Cultivation
- Prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. Avoid waterlogged conditions.
- Pruning
- Deadhead spent flowers to encourage reblooming. Cut back in late autumn or early spring.
- Propagation
- Seed, division
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Stokesia laevis?
Prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. Avoid waterlogged conditions.
Where is the best place to plant Stokesia laevis?
Stokesia laevis prefers full sun and partial shade.
What soil does Stokesia laevis need?
Stokesia laevis is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including well-drained, loamy and sandy. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist to dry.
How do I prune Stokesia laevis?
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage reblooming. Cut back in late autumn or early spring.
Is Stokesia laevis hardy in the UK?
Stokesia laevis has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Stokesia laevis?
Seed, division.
More in the Stokesia genus
- Stokesia laevis 'Alba'Stokes' aster 'Alba'
- Stokesia laevis 'Amethyst'
- Stokesia laevis 'Blue Star'Stokes' aster 'Blue Star'
- Stokesia laevis 'Blue and White'