About

A compact perennial to around 40cm tall forming a low mound of dark green, lance-shaped leaves and bearing blue to dark purple flowerheads with whitish-yellow centres on strong, upright stems from summer into autumn.

About the genus

Stokesia are perennials producing evergreen, basal rosettes. The colourful, cornflower-like flowers are long lasting and good for cutting

Growing conditions

SunlightFull sun
Soil typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH4

Plant details

Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Wildlife gardens

Care notes

CultivationGrow in a sunny, sheltered position in a fertile, well-drained soil; liable to rot in wet winter soils
PruningDeadhead to prolong flowering. Tidy foliage in spring when new growth appears
PropagationPropagate by division in spring or root cuttings in late winter
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free