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Description
Stokesia Laevis, also known as Stokes’ aster, is a perennial flowering plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. It is native to southeastern United States, but it has been widely cultivated throughout the world due to its beauty and ease of care. The plant produces large, daisy-like flowers that come in shades of blue, purple, pink, and white. It blooms from mid-summer to early fall and attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Stokesia Laevis can grow up to 2 feet tall and 1.5 feet wide.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Stokesia |
| Species | Laevis |
Appearance
Stokesia Laevis has a clump-forming habit with narrow, lance-shaped leaves that are up to 12 inches long. The leaves are a medium green color and have a slightly hairy texture. The plant produces tall, branching stems that are topped with large, daisy-like flowers that can be up to 4 inches across. The flowers have a prominent central disc that is surrounded by long, slender petals that can be flat or slightly curved. The flowers come in shades of blue, purple, pink, and white, and they have a long blooming period from mid-summer to early fall. Stokesia Laevis can grow up to 2 feet tall and 1.5 feet wide, making it a great choice for borders, rock gardens, and containers.
Care Guide
Stokesia Laevis is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to grow and care for. Here are some tips to keep your plant healthy and blooming:
- Water: Water regularly to keep the soil evenly moist, but not waterlogged. Avoid letting the soil dry out completely.
- Fertilization: Fertilize once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to weak growth and fewer flowers.
- Soil: Grow Stokesia Laevis in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The plant prefers a slightly acidic soil with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5.
- Sunlight: Plant Stokesia Laevis in full sun to partial shade. It prefers a location with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
- Hardiness Zones: Stokesia Laevis is hardy in USDA zones 5-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Stokesia Laevis is generally resistant to pests and diseases, but it can be susceptible to root rot if grown in poorly drained soil. Here are some common issues to watch out for:
- Root Rot: Over-watering or poorly drained soil can cause root rot, which can lead to yellowing leaves and wilting. To prevent root rot, make sure the soil is well-draining and avoid over-watering.
- Aphids: Aphids can sometimes infest Stokesia Laevis, causing distorted growth and yellowing leaves. To control aphids, spray the plant with a strong stream of water or use an insecticidal soap.
- Leaf Spot: Leaf spot is a fungal disease that can cause brown spots on the leaves of Stokesia Laevis. To prevent leaf spot, avoid getting the leaves wet when watering and remove any infected foliage.
Habitat
Stokesia Laevis is native to southeastern United States, where it grows in moist, open woods and meadows. It prefers a well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter and a location with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. The plant is hardy in USDA zones 5-9 and can tolerate both heat and humidity.
Question and Answer
Q: How often should I water Stokesia Laevis?
A: Water regularly to keep the soil evenly moist, but not waterlogged. Avoid letting the soil dry out completely.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for Stokesia Laevis?
A: Stokesia Laevis is hardy in USDA zones 5-9.
Q: Does Stokesia Laevis attract pollinators?
A: Yes, Stokesia Laevis attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators with its large, daisy-like flowers.
Q: How tall does Stokesia Laevis grow?
A: Stokesia Laevis can grow up to 2 feet tall and 1.5 feet wide.
Related Plants
- Stokesia Peachie’s Pick
- Stokesia Colorwheel
- Stokesia Blue Danube
- Stokesia Divinity
References
- “Stokesia laevis.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=287624.
- “Stokesia laevis.” Plant database entry, Dave’s Garden, www.davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/1335/.
- “Stokesia laevis.” Fine Gardening, www.finegardening.com/plant/stokesia-laevis.
