Stokesia laevis, commonly known as Stokes' aster, is a herbaceous perennial plant in the Asteraceae family. Native to the southeastern United States, this plant thrives in open woodlands, meadows, and along roadsides. Typically, it reaches a height of about 2 feet and spreads 1-2 feet wide, forming a clump.
Stokes' aster showcases striking blue or purple flowers from mid-summer to fall. These daisy-like flowers feature numerous petals surrounding a yellow central disk and are borne on long stems above the foliage, making them attractive to butterflies and other pollinators.
The leaves of Stokesia laevis are lance-shaped or oblong with toothed edges, forming basal rosettes at the base of each stem.
This plant prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil enriched with organic matter. While it is drought-tolerant once established, it benefits from regular watering during dry spells.
Stokes' aster is low maintenance, disease-resistant, and deer-resistant. It also attracts bees and other beneficial insects, making it an excellent choice for gardeners seeking an easy-to-grow perennial that adds vibrant color to their garden from summer through fall.
Stokes' aster is fairly disease-resistant and usually not prone to illnesses. However, it can be vulnerable to pests and diseases present in its environment. These problems are typically not serious. In terms of care, the plant requires moderate maintenance. It should be regularly pruned to keep a tidy appearance and encourage healthy growth. Fertilizing can also help stimulate flowering. Stokes' aster is appropriate for anyone with outdoor space, such as a garden or patio, and does not demand extensive experience in plant care. It may need more attention when grown indoors.
How to keep Stokesia Laevis.
Light
Stokes' aster does best in places that get plenty of sun throughout the day. It can also grow in areas with less sunlight. While its growth is strongest with abundant sun, it tolerates lower light levels. Too much or too little light can affect its growth and flowering.
Water
Stokes' aster thrives in humid conditions typical of the southeastern United States and prefers soil with consistent moisture. However, once established, it can tolerate drought. To keep the plant hydrated, it's best to water it weekly. Although typically grown outdoors, Stokes' aster responds well to proper watering and seasonal rainfall, which promote robust growth.
Humidity
This plant needs special care because it loves high humidity levels of 60-80% or more. The best way to achieve this is by placing a humidifier near the plant. Daily misting is also essential! Make sure the room has good ventilation.
Temperature
Stokes' aster is a perennial plant native to temperate regions and grows best at temperatures of 68–95°F (20–35°C). A seasonal shift to cooler conditions could improve its growth.
Fertilizer
Typically, a single fertilization in spring is adequate for Stokes' aster, although multiple feedings can boost growth to its fullest. Apply fertilizer roughly every month to six weeks. Feeding improves the leaves' appearance and function, helping maintain even color and a healthy texture. It also promotes root development and nutrient uptake for the plant's long-term health.
Pruning
Stokes' aster showcases vibrant, large flowers and requires yearly maintenance for optimal health and growth. To enhance blooming, prune the plant in early to late spring after the danger of frost has passed, removing any faded blooms. Additionally, in late winter or early spring, cut back the old stems to the ground.
Pot & Repot
When repotting Stokes' aster, select a pot 1-2 inches (2.5–5.1 cm) larger with ample drainage. Use a well-draining potting mix. Repot in spring or fall, making sure the root ball sits slightly below the rim of the flower pot. Water thoroughly after repotting and place it in a warm spot with indirect sunlight.
Botanical profile.
- Plant Type
- Herb
- Life Cycle
- Perennial, Annual
- Genus
- Stokesia
- Family
- Asteraceae
- Hardiness Zone
- 5-9
- Mature Height
- 30 cm to 61 cm
- Mature Spread
- 30 cm to 46 cm
- Leaf Color
- Green
- Leaf Type
- Semi-evergreen
- Flower Color
- Lavender, White
- Flower Size
- 4.06 cm to 10.16 cm
- Bloom Time
- Early summer, Mid summer
- Planting Time
- Spring
- Harvest Time
- Mid summer
Other names.
Reader questions.
How should I water my Stokes' aster plant?
To properly water the Stokes' aster, it's important to use filtered water at room temperature. Tap water may contain harmful particles, so filtered water is a better choice. Since the plant is accustomed to warm environments, it's important to avoid using cold water, as it can shock the plant. Additionally, overhead watering should be avoided to prevent issues with the foliage. Instead, simply pour your filtered room temperature water directly onto the soil until it is fully saturated. This helps to moisten the roots and promotes their growth and nutrient absorption.
Why should I put fertilizer on my Stokes' aster plant?
The main structure of the Stokes' aster is made up of its leaves. Fertilization is an important way to ensure that these leaves not only look great but also fulfill their function effectively. Proper fertilization promotes consistent color and a healthy texture in the leaves of your Stokes' aster. Additionally, fertilization has a positive impact below the soil's surface by helping the plant generate new roots and maintain its existing root system. This means that fertilization not only maintains the plant's current health but also enhances its ability to absorb soil nutrients in the future.
What are the sunlight requirements for Stokes' aster?
Stokes' aster requires full sun exposure, which means it needs more than 6 hours of direct sunlight per day, but it can also flourish in partial sun, about 3-6 hours of sunlight. It's important to watch how sunlight moves through your garden to find the perfect spot that provides the right balance of light and shade, ensuring your plant's happiness.
What is the optimal temperature range for the growth of Stokes' aster?
Stokes' aster, or Stokesia laevis, thrives best in temperate regions with temperatures between 68 to 95°F (20 to 35°C). The plant exhibits strong cold resistance, meaning special frost protection measures are typically not necessary. However, it benefits from a seasonal adjustment to a cooler environment, which could enhance its growth. Despite its robust nature, ensuring adequate cold protection when temperatures are expected to drop below -25°C is important, through measures such as covering the plant with soil or straw. Additionally, before the first freeze in autumn, it's recommended to water the plant abundantly to keep the soil moist and help prevent drought and water scarcity during winter and early spring.
What do I do if I give my Stokes' aster too much or too little water?
Overwatering is a more common problem for Stokes' asters and can cause wilting, yellowing of stems and leaves, and diseases like root rot, mold, and mildew. Underwatering is less common, but can result in brittle and brown leaves. It's important to detect signs of overwatering early to prevent irreversible damage. If you see early signs, reduce watering and check the soil's drainage. If underwatering is the issue, increase watering until the symptoms improve.
What is the best time to put fertilizer on my Stokes' aster plant?
If you grow Stokes' aster outdoors each year, you will notice new growth in early spring. This signals that it's time to start fertilizing. Usually, one application of fertilizer in spring is sufficient. However, if you want to maximize growth, you can fertilize multiple times from spring to early summer. In this case, feed your Stokes' aster about once every month to a month and a half.
How does sunlight affect the growth of Stokes' aster?
Sunlight plays a crucial role in the growth and flowering of Stokes' aster. It thrives best in locations where it receives plenty of sunlight throughout the day, although it can adapt to less sunny spots. However, both excessive and insufficient light can impact its growth negatively, indicating the importance of finding the right balance.
How should Stokes' aster be cared for in low temperatures?
Stokes' aster is quite cold-tolerant, with an optimal thriving temperature above 20°C. During winter, the temperature should be kept above 0°C to prevent damage. When temperatures fall below -25°C, there might not be any noticeable changes during winter, but the plant may experience decreased sprouting or fail to sprout at all come springtime. To manage this, in spring, any parts of the plant that have failed to sprout should be removed to promote healthier growth.
How frequently do I need to water my Stokes' aster?
If your plant is in a pot, the best way to determine if your Stokes' aster needs water is to check the soil by sticking your finger into it. If the top two to three inches of soil are dry, it's time to water it. If you have planted your Stokes' aster outside in the ground, you can use the same method to check the soil. Once again, if the top few inches of soil are dry, it's time to water. Typically, in the spring and early fall, you'll need to water this plant about once a week using this method. However, during extremely hot weather, you may need to increase watering to twice a week or more. It's worth noting that mature, well-established Stokes' asters can often tolerate drought conditions well.
When is it not a good idea to put fertilizer on my Stokes' aster?
During the late fall and winter, your Stokes' aster will go into a dormant phase and stop growing. During this time, it is best to avoid fertilizing. In the spring and summer, if you do choose to fertilize, start reducing the rate as summer approaches because the growth rate of your Stokes' aster will also slow down. It is not a good idea to fertilize your Stokes' aster during extremely hot weather or when the soil is very dry as it can cause stress and premature death of the plant.
What artificial lighting requirements do indoor Stokes' aster plants have?
When natural sunlight is insufficient, especially during winter or in less sunny areas, artificial lighting becomes essential for the growth of indoor Stokes' aster plants. LED lights are recommended due to their ability to provide specific wavelengths needed by plants. Full sun plants require 30-50W/sq ft, partial sun plants need 20-30W/sq ft, and full shade plants should have 10-20W/sq ft of artificial light. The light source should be placed 12-36 inches above the plant, and most plants need 8-12 hours of light per day.
What are the signs of high temperature stress in Stokes' aster and how can they be mitigated?
During summer, Stokes' aster should be kept below 35°C to avoid heat stress. Exposure to temperatures exceeding 38°C may cause the plant's leaves to lighten in color, become prone to curling, and suffer from sunburn. In severe cases, the whole plant may wilt and dry out. To mitigate such high temperature stress, trim away sunburned and dried-up parts of the plant. Moving the plant to a location that provides shade during the midday and afternoon or using a shade cloth can protect it from excessive sunlight. Additionally, watering the plant in the morning and evening will help keep the soil moist and reduce stress.
