Cornflower Aster, Stokes Aster
Stokesialaevis 'Mel's Blue'

Family: Asteraceae (ass-ter-AY-see-ee)
Genus: Stokesia (sto-KEES-ee-uh)
Species: laevis (LEE-viss)
Cultivar: Mel's Blue

Category
Perennials

Water Requirements
Drought-tolerant; suitable for xeriscaping
Average Water Needs; Water regularly; do not overwater

Sun Exposure
Full Sun
Sun to Partial Shade

Foliage
Smooth

Foliage Color

Height
6-12 in. (15-30 cm)
12-18 in. (30-45 cm)

Spacing
9-12 in. (22-30 cm)
12-15 in. (30-38 cm)

Hardiness
USDA Zone 5b: to -26.1 °C (-15 °F)
USDA Zone 6a: to -23.3 °C (-10 °F)
USDA Zone 6b: to -20.5 °C (-5 °F)
USDA Zone 7a: to -17.7 °C (0 °F)
USDA Zone 7b: to -14.9 °C (5 °F)
USDA Zone 8a: to -12.2 °C (10 °F)
USDA Zone 8b: to -9.4 °C (15 °F)
USDA Zone 9b: to -3.8 °C (25 °F)
USDA Zone 10a: to -1.1 °C (30 °F)
USDA Zone 10b: to 1.7 °C (35 °F)

Where to Grow
Can be grown as an annual
Suitable for growing in containers

Danger

Bloom Color
Light Blue
Lavender

Bloom Characteristics
Flowers are good for cutting
This plant is attractive to bees, butterflies and/or birds

Bloom Size

Bloom Time
Mid Spring
Late Spring/Early Summer
Mid Summer
Late Summer/Early Fall

Other details

Soil pH requirements
6.1 to 6.5 (mildly acidic)
6.6 to 7.5 (neutral)
7.6 to 7.8 (mildly alkaline)

Patent Information

Propagation Methods
From seed; direct sow outdoors in fall
From seed; winter sow in vented containers, coldframe or unheated greenhouse
Direct sow as soon as the ground can be worked

Seed Collecting
Allow seedheads to dry on plants; remove and collect seeds