How to Grow Stokes' Aster
Stokesia laevis
Stokes' aster is a hardy perennial grown for its large, fringed, cornflower-like blooms in shades of blue, purple, white, or pink from early summer into autumn. Plant in full sun to light shade in well-drained, fertile soil. Water regularly during dry spells but avoid waterlogged conditions. Deadhead spent flowers to prolong blooming. Cut foliage back to the basal rosette in autumn. Divide every few years to maintain vigour.
Yearly Lifecycle
Care Essentials
Apply a balanced slow-release fertiliser in spring as new growth emerges. A liquid feed once a month during the growing season encourages more blooms.
Watch For
- Powdery mildew
- Crown rot in wet soils
- Aphids
- Leaf miners
Companions
Coneflower, Black-eyed Susan, Salvia, Ornamental grasses, Coreopsis
Care Requirements
Light
Full sun to light partial shade
Performs best in full sun with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Tolerates light afternoon shade, especially in hotter climates, but too much shade reduces flowering.
Watering
Regular moisture, well-drained soil
Water regularly during dry spells to keep soil evenly moist. Established plants are moderately drought-tolerant but flower better with consistent moisture. Never allow to sit in waterlogged soil.
Fertilizing
Light balanced feed in spring
Apply a balanced slow-release granular fertiliser in spring as growth resumes. Supplement with a liquid feed monthly through the growing season. Avoid excessive nitrogen which promotes foliage over flowers.
Pruning
Deadhead and cut back in autumn
Remove spent flower stems promptly to extend the blooming period. In autumn, cut all stems back to the basal rosette after foliage dies down. Divide clumps every 3-4 years in spring to rejuvenate.
Spacing
35-45 cm apart
Space plants 35-45 cm apart to allow good air circulation and room for the basal rosette to spread. Closer spacing is acceptable for edging but may increase mildew risk.
Support
Generally self-supporting
Stokes' aster is low-growing and typically does not need staking. In very exposed or windy positions, a short ring support may help prevent flopping of taller stems.
Growing Tips
Ensure good drainage
Stokes' aster dislikes sitting in wet soil over winter. Improve heavy clay with grit or plant on a slight slope to prevent crown rot.
Deadhead for longer blooms
Remove spent flower heads as they fade to encourage a second flush of blooms and extend the display into early autumn.
Divide every few years
Lift and divide congested clumps in spring every 3-4 years to maintain vigour and increase your stock.
Mulch for winter protection
Apply a layer of mulch over the crown in late autumn to protect roots from hard frosts, especially in colder regions.
Spacing & Planting
| Plant spacing | 40 cm |
| Row spacing | 45 cm |
| Mature height | 50 cm |
| Mature spread | 40 cm |
