Also known as Stokes' Aster · 467 saves
Stokesia
Stokesia, the genus most gardeners know as stokes' aster. We track 8 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 8 most-saved Stokesia varieties
Track your Stokesia in Sow
Save the Stokesia you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Stokesia
Whats common across all Stokesia varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 8 most-grown of them.
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 467 real gardeners — 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.