Also known as Stokes' Aster · 402 gardener saves
Stokesia: the varieties gardeners actually grow
Stokesia, the genus most gardeners know as stokes' aster. We track 8 varieties; these are the ones gardeners actually save and plant, ranked by real saves rather than catalog marketing. Each links to full care, bloom, and live price data.
The 8 most-saved Stokesia varieties
Of 8 in the catalog — ordered by how many gardeners actually grow them.
#1 most savedHoneysong Purple Stoke's Aster
Stokesia laevis 'Honeysong Purple'
#2 most savedPeachie's Pick Stokes' Aster
Stokesia laevis 'Peachies Pick'
#3 most saved'Purple Parasols' Stokes' Aster
Stokesia laevis 'Purple Parasols'
Stokes' Aster
Stokesia laevis 'Mary Gregory'
Omega Skyrocket Stokes' Aster
Stokesia laevis 'Omega Skyrocket'
Stokes' aster
Stokesia laevis
White Stokes' Aster
Stokesia laevis 'Alba'
Color Wheel Stokes' Aster
Stokesia 'Colorwheel'
How to grow Stokesia
What the Stokesia varieties in our catalog actually agree on — drawn from the care records of the 8 most-grown of them, not from a generic template.
The Stokesia year
- DivideMarch and September100% of varieties
Divide clumps every 3-4 years to maintain vigor
- DeadheadJune–August100% of varieties
Remove spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming
- Spring CleanupFebruary and March75% of varieties
Cut back old flower stalks and dead foliage before new growth starts
Do
- Water regularly during dry spells 🌱
- Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms
- Apply a balanced fertilizer in spring 🌱
- Water during dry spells 🌱
- Water deeply during dry periods 🌱
Avoid
- Refrain from fertilizing late in the season
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Avoid overwatering to prevent fungal issues ❌
- Do not fertilize with high nitrogen in late season
What goes wrong with Stokesia
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Sticky residue and distorted leaves | Use insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| Spider mites | Fine webbing and stippled leaves | Apply miticide or insecticidal soap |
| Spider Mites | Fine webbing and speckled leaves | Increase humidity and apply miticide if needed |
| Root rot | Wilting and yellowing leaves | Improve drainage and reduce watering |
| Powdery Mildew | White powdery coating on leaves | Improve air circulation and apply fungicide |
| Crown Rot | Wilting, yellowing leaves, and mushy plant base (crown). | No cure. Remove and destroy affected plants. Prevent by ensuring excellent soil drainage and avoiding overwatering. |
Making more Stokesia
Division
- Dig up mature plants in early spring or fall.
- Gently separate clumps into smaller sections.
- Replant divisions at same depth and water thoroughly.
- Allow 6 weeks for roots to establish.
Seeds
- Tuck seeds into moist, well-draining soil in spring.
- Lightly cover with soil and keep moist.
- Germination occurs in 2–3 weeks.
Stokesia questions
How many types of Stokesia are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 8 distinct Stokesia varieties. The most popular — ranked by 402 real gardener saves — are shown first above.
What zones does Stokesia grow in?
Across its varieties, Stokesia covers USDA Zones 5–9. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Stokesia bloom?
Most Stokesia varieties bloom in mid-summer, early summer. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Stokesia should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.
Keep exploring
Stokesia shows up in
By hardiness zone
Design with Stokesia in your own yard
Snap a photo of your space and see these varieties planted in it — sized correctly, matched to your zone, with care reminders included.
