Photo of Stokesia laevis flower by Karl Gercens III

Photo by Karl Gercens III

Used with permission, all rights reserved

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Stokesia laevis

Also Known As

  • Carthamus laevis
  • Cornflower Aster
  • Stoke's Aster
  • Stokes Aster

Plant type

perennial

size

  • H: 2'
  • W: 16"

planting zones

  • 5a-9b

More Options

Stokesia laevis plant details

Stokesia laevis is a broadleaf semi-evergreen perennial with blue and green foliage. In fall and summer lavender flowers emerge. Attracts bees, beneficial insects and butterflies making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun - dappled shade and even moisture - regular water. Drought tolerant once established. Does well in acidic, average, gritty and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Stokesia laevis

Plant type: perennial
Plant family: asteraceae
Foliage: semi-evergreen blue and green
Mature size: 16 IN wide, 2 FT tall
Flowers: lavender blooms in fall and summer
Uses: border plant, cottage garden, cutting garden, rock garden

GROWING CONDITIONS for Stokesia laevis

USDA Zones: 5a - 9b
Sun exposure: sun - dappled shade
Watering frequency: even moisture - regular
Resistant to: deer and rabbit, heat
Soil needs: acidic, average, gritty and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

A monotypic genus with large, very beautiful, vaguely centaurea-like flowers generally lavender but ranging from purple to pale yellow. A couple feet tall, tough as nails and just about everything resistant. Zone 5 - Joseph
A clump forming evergreen herbaceous perennial. Clumps of lance shaped somewhat blue-green foliage above which rise branched stems of split petalled lavender- blue daisy flowers. A tough rewarding plant. Keep well drained.

By: Zephs

Gardening facts about Stokesia laevis plant

How to Grow Stokesia laevis

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun - dappled shade
  • Water Needs

    • even moisture - drought tolerant
  • Soil Needs

    • acidic
    • average
    • well-drained
    • gritty
  • Special Situation

    • heat tolerant

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
    • blue
  • Flower Color

    • lavender
  • Wildlife

    • beneficial insects
    • bees
    • butterflies
    • deer resistant
    • rabbit resistant
  • Flower Season

    • summer
    • fall
  • Foliage Season

    • semi-evergreen

See other plant types of Stokesia for your garden

aka Stokes' Aster

Plant Type

Perennial

Zones

5a-9b

Size

Height: 10"-14"

Width: 12"-16"

  • sun - dappled shade
  • even moisture - drought tolerant
Photo of Stokesia laevis 'Honeysong Purple' flower by Intrinsic Perennial Gardens
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aka Mary Gregory Stokesia Daisy, Mary Gregory Yellow Stokes Aster

Plant Type

Perennial

Zones

5a-10a

Size

Height: 12"-18"

Width: 12"-18"

  • sun - dappled shade
  • even moisture - drought tolerant
  • dry in winter
Photo of Stokesia laevis 'Mary Gregory' by Almost Eden
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More Options

aka Stokesia 'Peachies Pick', Peachie's Pick Stokes' Aster

Plant Type

Perennial

Zones

5a-9b

Size

Height: 12"-20"

Width: 12"-24"

  • sun - dappled shade
  • even moisture - drought tolerant
Photo of Stokesia laevis 'Peachie's Pick' flower by Avant Gardens
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aka Purple Pixie Stokes' aster

Plant Type

Perennial

Zones

5a-9b

Size

Height: 11"

Width: 14"

  • sun - dappled shade
  • even moisture - drought tolerant
Photo of Stokesia laevis 'Purple Pixie' flower by Terra Nova Nurseries, Inc.
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aka Good-N-Purple Stoke's Aster

Plant Type

Perennial

Zones

5a-10b

Size

Height: 12"-18"

Width: 12"-18"

  • sun - dappled shade
  • even moisture - drought tolerant
Photo of Stokesia laevis 'Good-N-Purple' flower by Almost Eden
View Plant

More Options

+14 more Stokesia
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