Overview
Stokesia laevis 'Blue Star' is a perennial in the genus Stokesia, part of the Asteraceae family. Stokesia laevis 'Blue Star' grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and acidic and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include borders, rock gardens and containers. It is native to Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Alabama, Florida and Georgia.
About
Stokesia laevis 'Blue Star' is a perennial in the daisy family Asteraceae, valued for its summer flower display from July to September. It originates from the southeastern United States and performs best in full sun or partial shade. Plant in well-drained sandy or loamy soils that are acidic to neutral and kept moist but not waterlogged. Suited to borders, rock gardens and containers where drainage can be controlled.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Stokesia laevis
In the garden
Stokesia laevis 'Blue Star' belongs to the genus Stokesia within the family Asteraceae and is native to the southeastern United States (including Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Alabama, Florida and Georgia). In the UK it reliably produces flowers between July and September, making it a mid- to late-summer perennial. Select a site with full sun or light afternoon shade; it will tolerate partial shade but flowers best with more sun. The plant prefers well-drained soils, especially sandy to loamy types, and does well in substrates that are acidic to neutral. Keep soil moist but avoid positions that remain waterlogged; good surface drainage is important. It is rated H7 — fully hardy in the UK — so plants may remain in the ground through winter in most locations. Stokesia laevis 'Blue Star' fits well at the front of mixed borders, in a sunny rock garden or planted in containers with free drainage. In containers use a loam-based mix and ensure pots have drainage holes to prevent standing water. Flowering from July to September provides a steady seasonal presence in sunny situations and container displays.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Stokesia
- Sunlight
- full sun, partial shade
- Soil type
- well-drained, sandy, loamy
- Soil pH
- acidic, neutral
- Soil moisture
- moist, well-drained
- Exposure
- full sun, partial shade
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Stokesia laevis 'Blue Star' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- perennial
- Suggested uses
- borders, rock gardens, containers
- Native to
- Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Alabama, Florida, Georgia
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Stokesia laevis 'Blue Star'
- Cultivation
- Prefers well-drained soil; avoid waterlogging; mulch in winter
- Pruning
- Deadhead spent flowers to encourage reblooming
- Propagation
- seed, division
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Stokesia laevis 'Blue Star'?
Prefers well-drained soil; avoid waterlogging; mulch in winter.
Where is the best place to plant Stokesia laevis 'Blue Star'?
Stokesia laevis 'Blue Star' prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits full sun and partial shade positions.
What soil does Stokesia laevis 'Blue Star' need?
Stokesia laevis 'Blue Star' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including well-drained, sandy and loamy. It prefers acidic and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist to well-drained.
How do I prune Stokesia laevis 'Blue Star'?
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage reblooming.
Is Stokesia laevis 'Blue Star' hardy in the UK?
Stokesia laevis 'Blue Star' has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Stokesia laevis 'Blue Star'?
Seed, division.
More in the Stokesia genus
- Stokesia laevisStokes' aster
- Stokesia laevis 'Alba'Stokes' aster 'Alba'
- Stokesia laevis 'Amethyst'
- Stokesia laevis 'Blue and White'