Overview

Stokesia laevis 'Amethyst' is a bushy herbaceous perennial in the genus Stokesia, part of the Asteraceae family, with evergreen foliage. Stokesia laevis 'Amethyst' grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam and sand soils and acid and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, patio and container plants, wildlife gardens, cut flowers and flower borders and beds. It is native to Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Alabama, Florida and Georgia.

About

Stokesia laevis 'Amethyst' is a herbaceous perennial in the daisy family that carries its main display from July to September. It forms a well-branched, evergreen clump suited to sheltered, south-, west- or east-facing positions. It prefers loam or sandy soils that are moist but well-drained and range from acid to neutral. Use it in cottage borders, wildlife plots, containers and as a source of cut flowers.

In the garden

Stokesia laevis 'Amethyst' originates from the southeastern United States, occurring naturally in states such as Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Alabama, Florida and Georgia. As a member of the Asteraceae, it produces a concentrated summer display and keeps evergreen foliage where conditions remain mild. Position the plant in full sun and a sheltered site — south-, west- or east-facing exposures are all suitable. It favours loam or sandy substrates with an acid to neutral reaction and needs soil that stays moist but drains freely. Its UK hardiness is H4 (average), so it will tolerate winter conditions typical of many UK gardens but benefits from a protected situation out of prevailing winds. Stokesia laevis 'Amethyst' suits informal and cottage-style borders, wildlife gardens, patios and containers, and works well in mixed flower beds. It is also grown for cutting; individual flowerheads are well suited to summer arrangements and can be used straight from the border.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Stokesia

Sunlight

Full sun

Soil type

Loam, Sand

Soil pH

Acid, Neutral

Soil moisture

Moist but well-drained

Aspect

South-facing, West-facing, East-facing

Exposure

Sheltered

UK hardiness

H4

Plant details

Stokesia laevis 'Amethyst' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type

Herbaceous Perennial

Habit

Bushy

Foliage

Evergreen

Suggested uses

Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Wildlife gardens, Cut flowers, Flower borders and beds

Native to

Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Alabama, Florida, Georgia

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Stokesia laevis 'Amethyst'

Propagation

Division in spring, Root cuttings in late winter

Pest resistance

Generally pest-free

Disease resistance

Generally disease-free

Frequently asked questions