Bring midsummer and fall flowers to your garden with stokesia.
Stokes' aster, also known as stokesia, is native to thesoutheastern United States.
It begins blooming sporadically in late spring but is prized for its midsummer and fall flower show.
Alice O’Brien.
A favorite stopping point for pollinators, Stokes' aster has lavender, pink, or white cornflower-like flowers.
Reinvigorate the garden in late summer with Stokes' aster.
Pair it withother fall favorites, and the autumn garden will end the growing season in blooming style.
Remove the plant and loosen the roots a bit from the root ball before placing it in the hole.
Backfill with soil, tamp lightly, and water well.
Space multiple plants 20-24 inches apart.
While the plant can tolerate partial shade, it will not bloom as vigorously.
Soil and Water
Stokes aster prefers a moist soil with good drainage.
Its not overly fussy about soil pH.
After it establishes a strong root system, it is tolerant of both heat and dry conditions.
It also manages well in occasionally wet soil.
Fertilizer
Pruning
Remove spent flowers as soon as they droop to promote reblooming.
If needed, shear plants in midsummer to create dense new growth.
Fill it with a combination of well-draining potting mix and compost.
Keep in mind that potted plants, unlike plants in the landscape, require more frequent watering and fertilization.
Pests and Problems
Stokes Aster has no serious insect or disease problems.
Rabbits often devour Stokes' aster.
Flower stems do tend to flop when wet, particularly after a heavy rainstorm.
Plant these into the garden at the same depth as the original plant and water well.
The flowers make a lovely addition tosummer bouquets.
This sun-loving perennial produces showy bright blue or white thistlelike spherical blooms from mid- to late summer.
The flowers also look beautiful in fresh ordried arrangements.
The plants may self-sow if you allow the blooms to mature on the plant.
Zones 3-8
Anise Hyssop
This tough, drought-tolerant perennial looks beautiful for months in summer and fall.
It’s practically foolproof as long as the soil doesn’t stay overly moist.
Itblooms toward the end of summer into fallwhen most other flowers are fading.
Plus, the dried flower stems add winter interest if you leave them in place.
Like many other plants disliked by deer, it bears scented foliage.
In warmer climates, these leaves will remain evergreen.
When grown in optimal conditions, Stokes' aster will multiply rapidly, forming large clumps.
It is not invasive, however.
Stokes' aster is named for English physician/botanist Jonathan Stokes (1755-1831).
Fortunately, these beautiful flowers pose no danger to animals, so plant them where pets play.
