Would you like to add another native plant to your perennial or pollinator garden? One of my favorites is Stokes Aster (Stokesia laevis). It’s part of the Asteraceae family and is native to the southeastern United States. The genus Stokesia is in honor of Jonathan Stokes (1755-1831), an English physician and botanist, and the species name, laevis, means smooth.
Stokes Aster (Stokesia laevis) is in the Asteraceae family and native to the southeastern United States.
Barbara H. Smith, ©2023 HGIC, Clemson Extension
Stokes asters grow best in full sun but will tolerate some part shade in the hot afternoon. They prefer moist, well-drained, organically rich soils and overwinter in USDA planting zones 5 to 9. When the feathery pincushion-shaped flowers bloom, the flower stalks can be from one to two feet tall. Blue, purple, or white flowering cultivars are available. They flower from May through July, but the blooming can be extended through late summer into early fall by deadheading the spent flowers. The lance-shaped leaves are 6 inches long and form an attractive basal rosette growth habit.
The flowers look like feathery pincushions.
Barbara H. Smith, ©2023 HGIC, Clemson Extension
The lance-shaped leaves are 6 inches long and form an attractive basal rosette growth habit.
Barbara H. Smith, ©2024 HGIC, Clemson Extension
There are no serious insect or disease issues, and Stokes asters are moderately deer- and rabbit-resistant. The flowers in my landscape are always covered with bees, butterflies, and other pollinating insects.
Bumble bees are frequent visitors to Stokes asters.
Barbara H. Smith, ©2024 HGIC, Clemson Extension
Many different species of small bees collect pollen from the flowers.
Barbara H. Smith, ©2023 HGIC, Clemson Extension
Many cultivars of Stokesia have been introduced into the nursery trade. My favorites are ‘Peachie’s Pick’ and ‘Divinity.’ ‘Peachie’s Pick’ was discovered by Peachie Saxton in Mississippi and is named in her honor. This cultivar blooms longer and a bit later in the season than others. ‘Divinity’ has white flowers and a compact growth habit. Emerald Coast Growers, LLC patented this cultivar in 2015.
‘Peachie’s Pick’ Stokes Aster was discovered by Peachie Saxton in Mississippi and named in her honor.
Barbara H. Smith, ©2023 HGIC, Clemson Extension
‘Divinity’ Stokes Aster has white flowers and a compact growth habit.
Barbara H. Smith, ©2024 HGIC, Clemson Extension
These beautiful perennials are excellent additions to pollinator and cottage gardens. They can be used in borders, mass plantings, or small groups to bring a splash of color. Blue or white flower colors contrast well with green foliage and warmer flower colors.
The intense blue flowers of Stokes Aster contrast well with lacy, bright green fern fronds.
Barbara H. Smith, ©2023 HGIC, Clemson Extension
The cool blue Stokes Aster flowers intensify the bright yellow of Black-eyed Susans (Rudbeckia fulgida).
Barbara H. Smith, ©2023 HGIC, Clemson Extension
