Stokes' Aster

Why it works here

Stokes' aster gives you a large, showy, fringed flower in blue, lavender, purple, or white on a compact evergreen clump, which is rare among natives that are usually leggy or fine-textured. It is a Southeastern native at home in Florida flatwoods, and it works beautifully at the front of a bed or a border where you want a clean mound and a real flower for butterflies, bees, and even beneficial wasps. Because it does not spread aggressively, it plays well with others. It blooms mainly in late spring and summer.

Care

Plant it in full to part sun in soil that holds a little moisture but drains well, it does not want wet feet or hard drought. Water regularly the first season and during dry spells after. Deadhead spent flowers to push more bloom and keep it looking sharp. It is a shorter-lived perennial, so divide the clumps every few years to keep them vigorous and to make free plants. Compost in spring and a light mulch, skip synthetic fertilizer.

Common problems

Rot in wet or heavy soil: its main weakness. Plant it high with good drainage and never let it sit soggy.

Not for salty spots: it has little salt tolerance, so keep it out of beachfront exposure and use yellowtop or beach verbena there instead.

Short-lived: clumps fade after a few years. Divide them every 2 to 3 years to keep the planting going.