Stokesia laevis

RHS Plant Profile
Stokes' aster

Other common names

cornflower aster

Synonyms

Stokesia cyanea

Plants for pollinators
Herbaceous Perennial

A perennial with basal, lance-shaped leaves up to 20cm long forming an evergreen rosette. Upright stems to around 50cm tall with shorter, stem-clasping leaves bear cornflower-like purple-blue flowerheads in summer and early autumn

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.1-0.5 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
0.1-0.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Loam Sand
Moisture
Well–drained or Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H4

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Asteraceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Bushy
Genus
Stokesia are perennials producing evergreen, basal rosettes. The colourful, cornflower-like flowers are long lasting and good for cutting
Name Status
Correct
Plant Range
SE US

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in a sunny, sheltered position in a fertile, well-drained soil; liable to rot in wet winter soils

Propagation

Propagate by seed, by division in spring or root cuttings in late winter

Suggested planting locations and garden types

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

Pruning

Deadhead to prolong flowering. Tidy foliage in spring when new growth appears

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free