Stokesia laevis 'MEL'S BLUE'

Stoke’s aster is a genus of just this one species. I fell in love with this charming perennial the first time I laid my eyes on it when I first saw it at Plantarium exhibition in Boskoop, the Netherlands, where it was presented as a little known, showy perennial.

Mel's Blue Stoke’s aster is a chance seedling found by Adrianus van Heesbeen from the Netherlands in 2007. Compared to the species Mel's Blue has more rounded habit, more stems that are stronger and produce more flowers. The flowers are 8-9 cm large, cornflower-like flowerheads of rich lavender violet colour. They open from late July and if regularly deadheaded they continue popping up until autumn. The flowers take a few days before they mature completely to the flat shape but on the other hand they are quite long-lasting which is why they are very popular for cutting. The leaves are evergreen in milder climates, medium green, narrowly lance-shaped, long at the basal rosette, and quite short along the stems. Mel's Blue is a patented variety, patent No. PP23090 was issued in 2012.

Stoke’s aster comes from S.E. USA where it grows naturally on the edges of conifer woods, in moist, acid soil. It is hardy enough to be grown in Europe, too, down to zone 5b provided the soil is sharply-drained in order to avoid winter root rot. Grow it in full sun for profusion of flowers and make sure the soil is acid which will enhance the flower colour. Hardy to about -27°C (USDA zone 5b).

Last update 16-07-2019