Mel's Blue Stokes' Aster

Mel's Blue Stokes' Aster (Stokesia laevis 'Mel's Blue')

Mel's Blue Stokes' Aster (Stokesia laevis 'Mel's Blue') is a stunning perennial known for its sky-blue, fringed flowers and reliable summer-long performance. A pollinator favorite, this heat-tolerant and drought-resistant selection thrives in full sun, adding soft, cool tones to borders, rock gardens, and wildflower meadows.

Distinctive Features

'Mel�s Blue' showcases large, light blue, daisy-like flowers with deeply fringed petals, creating a delicate yet eye-catching display. The blooms last from early to late summer, attracting bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators. Its deep green, lance-shaped foliage forms a compact, mounded habit, growing 12 to 18 inches tall and spreading 18 to 24 inches, making it a versatile choice for various garden settings.

Growing Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Full sun to light partial shade.
• Soil: Prefers well-drained, sandy, or loamy soil.
• Water: Moderate watering; drought-tolerant once established.
• Humidity: Performs well in humid conditions with good air circulation.
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 5-9, making it highly adaptable.

Ideal Uses

• Pollinator Gardens: A nectar-rich favorite for butterflies and bees.
• Perennial Borders: Provides a cool contrast to warm-toned flowers.
• Rock Gardens: Thrives in dry, sandy, or well-drained soils.
• Mass Plantings: Creates a soothing, uniform color display.
• Cut Flower Gardens: Long-lasting, elegant blooms for fresh arrangements.

Low Maintenance Care

Mel�s Blue Stokes' Aster is an easy-to-grow, low-maintenance perennial that thrives in various conditions.

• Watering: Water regularly during establishment; tolerates drought once mature.
• Pruning: Deadhead spent blooms to encourage continuous flowering.
• Fertilizing: Light feeding in early spring enhances growth and blooms.
• Pest and Disease Resistance: Resistant to deer and rabbits; generally pest-free.
• Winter Care: Cut back old foliage in late fall or early spring.

Why Choose Mel's Blue Stokes' Aster?

Mel�s Blue Stokes' Aster offers a unique, soft blue hue that adds elegance and tranquility to the landscape.

• Delicate Sky-Blue Flowers: Provides a soft, refreshing color contrast.
• Neat, Clumping Growth Habit: Maintains a tidy and structured presence.
• Attracts Pollinators: Supports bees, butterflies, and beneficial insects.
• Drought-Tolerant and Hardy: Thrives in dry soils with minimal care.
• Low Maintenance: Requires little attention once established.

For a long-blooming, pollinator-friendly perennial with elegant blue flowers, Mel's Blue Stokes' Aster (Stokesia laevis 'Mel's Blue') is an excellent choice.