Overview
Stokesia laevis 'Alba' is a perennial in the genus Stokesia, part of the Asteraceae family. Stokesia laevis 'Alba' grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and neutral and slightly acidic pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include borders, cut flowers and rock gardens. It is native to Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Alabama, Florida and Georgia.
About
Stokesia laevis 'Alba' is a perennial in the daisy family that carries white summer flower heads from July to September. It suits a sunny position but will tolerate some light shade and prefers well-drained loamy or sandy soil with neutral to slightly acidic pH. Rated H5, it is hardy in much of the UK when planted in a free-draining site. The flowers are produced on stems above the foliage and work well for cutting.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Stokesia laevis
In the garden
Stokesia laevis 'Alba' belongs to the Asteraceae and originates from the southeastern United States, where the species occurs across states such as Louisiana, Mississippi and the Carolinas. As a perennial, it forms a lasting herbaceous plant that flowers in summer; in the UK it reliably blooms from July to September. Position it in full sun or a spot with light afternoon shade; the plant performs best in well-drained loamy or sandy soils with a neutral to slightly acidic reaction and a moderate level of moisture. The H5 hardiness rating indicates it is classed as hardy for much of the UK, so it can remain planted outdoors through typical winter conditions provided the soil does not remain waterlogged. In practice choose a sunny border edge, a rock garden with free-draining substrate, or a bed where summer cut flowers are grown—the white heads lift mid-border planting and make neat stems for arranging. Allow air to circulate around the crown and avoid heavy, wet soils to reduce winter stress. The flowering period and suitability for cutting make Stokesia laevis 'Alba' particularly useful where a clear white presence is needed in midsummer arrangements.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Stokesia
- Sunlight
- full sun, partial shade
- Soil type
- well-drained, loamy, sandy
- Soil pH
- neutral, slightly acidic
- Soil moisture
- moderate
- Exposure
- full sun
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Stokesia laevis 'Alba' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- perennial
- Suggested uses
- borders, cut flowers, rock gardens
- Native to
- Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Alabama, Florida, Georgia
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Stokesia laevis 'Alba'
- Cultivation
- Prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage reblooming.
- Pruning
- Remove spent flower heads to promote further blooming; cut back in late autumn.
- Propagation
- seed,division
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Stokesia laevis 'Alba'?
Prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage reblooming.
Where is the best place to plant Stokesia laevis 'Alba'?
Stokesia laevis 'Alba' prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits full sun positions.
What soil does Stokesia laevis 'Alba' need?
Stokesia laevis 'Alba' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including well-drained, loamy and sandy. It prefers neutral and slightly acidic soil. Aim for soil that stays moderate.
How do I prune Stokesia laevis 'Alba'?
Remove spent flower heads to promote further blooming; cut back in late autumn.
Is Stokesia laevis 'Alba' hardy in the UK?
Stokesia laevis 'Alba' 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 'Alba'?
Seed,division.
More in the Stokesia genus
- Stokesia laevisStokes' aster
- Stokesia laevis 'Amethyst'
- Stokesia laevis 'Blue Star'Stokes' aster 'Blue Star'
- Stokesia laevis 'Blue and White'