Stokesia Laevis

Stokesia Laevis, or Stokes Asters

Stokesia Laevis, or Stokes Aster, is an erect perennial from conifer woods on moist, acidic soil in Southeastern U.S. The evergreen, simple, smooth leaves are entire, sometimes with spines towards the bases, and are borne in basal rosettes. The long lasting, colorful, terminal, cornflower like flowerheads are solitary or produced in few to many flowered corymbs. They are good for cutting. They should be grown in light, fertile, moist but well-drained, acidic soil in full sun. Prone to rot in damp, heavy soils. They should be deadheaded to prolong flowering. I have three varieties, a pale purple variety that grows wild or native in the ditches and woods around this area (middle photos), a white variety given to me by Anita Stamper, a gardening friend, possibly "silver moon" (bottom photos); and "Mary Gregory" a very pale yellow variety (at top).

	Place and Date Acquired: Purple were gathered from native areas and planted in Island Bed 2 April 1998. "Mary Gregory" was purchased from Wayside Gardens, fall 1998, white ones were given to me by Anita Stamper, a gardening friend, December 1998.
	Planted Out: All are in Island Bed 2. We also have some more purple ones planted around the pine tree in our Entry bed.
	Details: Began blooming April 1999. In 1998, they did not bloom until July.