Stokesia laevis

[Flowersun]

Commonly known as Stokes Aster.

I love perennial gardening and one of my favorites in the garden is Stokes Aster. Stokes' aster is native to the southeastern coastal plain from South Carolina to northern Florida to Louisiana where it grew in the wetlands. However, now many find this lovely aster to be draught tolerant with just average watering needs. As a matter of fact during the colder months, it prefers not to have much water at all.

I first was introduced to this aster from a fellow Florida native gardener. When I tried to get it at native nurseries I had no luck at all. I finally was able to get some seed and am now happy to have this as an addition to my perennial garden. I'm in Zone 9a and Stokesia will do fine in Zone 5 to 10. However, in Zones 5 and 6 a great deal of winter protection must be given to its roots.

Here is my stokesia:

[SuddenlySpring]

That's on my wishlist LOL! Nice color

[Mandy]

I love them but haven't have as much luck with them, actually should have planted them in full sun. They are a great native plant. Beautiful picture flowersun!