News

Apr 29, 2023

Blooming in Wilmington in spring: The Stokes aster perennial flower

As I wander the grounds of the arboretum throughout the month of May, my eye is

As I wander the grounds of the arboretum throughout the month of May, my eye is caught by the blue flowers of the late spring-blooming plant commonly known as Stokes aster.

Closely related to its Mediterranean counterpart, chicory, Stokes aster is native to the Southeastern United States, where it thrives in damp areas. The flowers are fuller and fluffier than chicory, almost like mums, but many bloom in a similar chicory blue tone. The flowers are borne on long stems and emerge from a base of long, dark green leaves, semi-evergreen in mild winters. Cut, the flowers last about one week in a vase.

English physician Jonathan Stokes became interested in the medicinal properties of another beautiful bloomer, foxglove or digitals in the late 18th century. After clinical trials and a noteworthy book on the subject, the digitalis’ efficacy for the treatment of heart failure became well known. This link between medicine and botany led Stokes to join the Linnaean Society, and the genus Stokesia was named for him in honor of his contributions to science.

Stokes asters can be found locally blooming in a range of blue to purple as well as white and even yellow. Plants grown from seed may not carry the same desirable traits as the parent plant, so propagation by division or root cutting is a reliable way to get the desired flower color or branching habit. Many selections of Stokes asters have names. ‘Peachie's Pick’ originated as a chance seedling in a Mississippi garden, topping out at about two feet tall, with large, deep blue flowers. The cultivar 'Color Wheel' adds variable interest with flowers that change from white to purple throughout the day. 'Klaus Jelitto' produce lovely blue flowers, while 'Blue Danube' has blue flowers with white centers. 'Purple Parasols' and 'Honeyray Purple' dazzle with lovely violet blooms. 'Alba' and 'Silver Moon' shine with white blooms and 'Mary Gregory' produces soft yellow flowers.

Not only are the flowers a beautiful addition to your landscape, but their nectar also attracts pollinators like butterflies and bees. Stokes' aster does best in zones 8 through 9A, full sun or part shade. These perennial flowers work well as beautiful addition to a wildflower, butterfly, perennial or cut flower garden. Semi-evergreen in mild winters, even the leafy bases are attractive throughout the year in our area. Deadheading or removing spent flower stalks will often prompt a rebloom to continue flowers through the summer. Stokes asters are generally resistant rabbit damage, and have very insect few pests. Dividing clumps every 3-4 years is a good practice, a way to share the plant and keep the growth of manageable size. For more information, please visit this link: https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/stokesia-laevis/.

Lloyd Singleton is the director of the NC Cooperative Extension – New Hanover County Center and Arboretum, located at 6206 Oleander Drive in Wilmington. He can be reached at 910-798-7660 or [email protected]. The arboretum grounds are free and open daily, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.