Overview
Stokesia laevis 'Blue and White' is a bushy herbaceous perennial in the genus Stokesia, part of the Asteraceae family, with evergreen foliage. Stokesia laevis 'Blue and White' 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.
About
Stokesia laevis 'Blue and White' is a bushy, herbaceous perennial cultivar within the Stokesia genus, known for forming evergreen rosettes at its base. This cultivar produces vibrant flowers reminiscent of cornflowers, with a distinctive blue and white colouring that blooms from spring into summer. It thrives in full sun and prefers sheltered positions with fertile, moist but well-drained loam or sandy soils, favouring acid to neutral pH. Hardy to UK zone H4, it is well suited to cottage gardens, borders, patios, and wildlife-friendly planting, and its flowers are suitable for cutting.
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 'Blue and White' 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
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Stokesia laevis 'Blue and White'
- Propagation
- Division in spring, Root cuttings in late winter
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Stokesia laevis 'Blue and White'?
Stokesia laevis 'Blue and White' prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Stokesia laevis 'Blue and White' need?
Stokesia laevis 'Blue and White' grows best in loam and sand soil. It prefers acid and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Stokesia laevis 'Blue and White' hardy in the UK?
Stokesia laevis 'Blue and White' has an RHS hardiness rating of H4, meaning it is hardy through an average UK winter, tolerating -10 to -5°C.
How do I propagate Stokesia laevis 'Blue and White'?
Division in spring, Root cuttings in late winter.
More in the Stokesia genus
- Stokesia laevisStokes' aster
- Stokesia laevis 'Alba'Stokes' aster 'Alba'
- Stokesia laevis 'Amethyst'
- Stokesia laevis 'Blue Star'Stokes' aster 'Blue Star'