Peachie's Pick Stokes' Aster

Peachie's Pick Stokes' Aster (Stokesia laevis 'Peachie's Pick')

Peachie's Pick Stokes' Aster is a compact perennial forming neat rosettes of leathery green leaves topped by large, fringed lavender-blue daisies in summer. Its tidy, mounding habit provides reliable color for sunny borders, pollinator plantings, and containers.

Distinctive Features

Abundant, long-lasting blooms with fringed rays and contrasting centers show strong weather tolerance, while clean foliage stays attractive through the season.

Growing Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Full sun to light partial shade, with more sun for heaviest flowering.
• Soil: Well drained, moderately fertile, slightly acidic sand or loam.
• Water: Moderate; water to establish, then provide occasional deep watering in dry spells.
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 5 to 9.
• Mature Size: 1 to 1.5 ft tall and 1 to 2 ft wide.

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point: Large blue flowers create a bright accent at the front of sunny beds.
• Pollinator Gardens: Nectar-rich blooms support butterflies and bees.
• Mixed Borders: Pairs well with grasses and heat-loving perennials.
• Containers: Performs in pots with sharp drainage.
• Cut Flowers: Sturdy stems and distinctive blooms suit arrangements.

Low Maintenance Care

• Watering: Keep evenly moist during active growth; avoid waterlogged soil.
• Pruning: Deadhead spent flowers to extend bloom; shear lightly after the first flush to encourage rebloom.
• Fertilizing: Feed in spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer if growth is light.
• Mulching: Apply a thin mulch to conserve moisture and suppress weeds, keeping mulch off the crown.
• Notes: Ensure sharp winter drainage to prevent crown rot.

Why Choose Peachie's Pick Stokes' Aster?

• Vivid Summer Color: Lavender-blue daisies stand out in sunny displays.
• Extended Bloom: Deadheading and light shearing promote weeks of flowers.
• Compact Habit: Tidy mound fits front-of-border and container settings.
• Pollinator Friendly: Excellent nectar source for butterflies and bees.
• Heat Tolerant: Performs well with adequate drainage and moderate moisture.

Plant in full sun with well drained soil, deadhead regularly, and provide moderate moisture for a long, vivid summer show.