Stoeksia laevis – Stokes Aster ‘Peachie’s Pick’

General Information: Flashy, violet-blue, fluffy and frilly flowers resembling Cornflowers feature notched rays and pincushion centers. Semi-dwarf, this member of the Daisy Family has extra large flowers, 2-4″ wide. Stoke’s asters make a delightful cut-flower and attract the interest of many pollinators. Native to wetlands, wet pinewoods, and along coastal plains from North Carolina to Florida and West to Louisiana, this easy-to-grow compact Aster is worth adding to your garden!

Cultivation Details:  This variety blooms later than the other, taller Stokes Aster varieties. Plants often produce a few flowers early in the season, depending on zone, in June or July, before their full display in late summer and early fall. It is possible to stimulate reblooms by deadheading spent flowerheads. Dividing every few years will add vigor to your plants. Allow for good air flow by spacing plants 18-24″. Use in borders, pollinator gardens, rain gardens, along the shore of a pond, or in cottage gardens where their vivid blue color will attract attention of pollinators and passersby alike.

Growing Requirements: Grow in average soil and full sun. Plants can be grown in partial sun, but may not flower as much. They will do well in heat and drought conditions. They prefer moist, sandy soil. They do not like wet winter soil. Prized for their ability to grow well in tough planting sites. Suitable for acidic, mildly acidic and neutral soils. Does not tolerate alkaline soils.

Fun Facts: The species was named in honor of English physician and botanist Jonathan Stokes. ‘Peachie’s Pick’ was discovered in Peachie Saxton’s garden in Mississippi. The species name “laevis” refers to the smooth leaves.