The Story
Plant Bio
Stokesia laevis is a clump-forming perennial with large, fringed, cornflower-like flowers and evergreen, lance-shaped leaves. It is native to the southeastern United States.
'Colorwheel' is unique because its flowers open white, then change to lavender, and finally mature to a deep purple, creating a multi-colored effect on a single plant.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Perennial
Height
18"
Width
24"
Light
Full Sun
Zones
5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Water
Low to medium
Humidity
Tolerates high humidity
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
Southeastern US (species)
Toxicity
Non-toxic
Bloom period
Early summer – Mid-fall
In flower about 5 months of the year
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Choose a site with full sun and excellent drainage.
- Amend heavy clay soils with sand or compost to improve drainage.
- Dig a hole as deep and twice as wide as the pot.
- Set the plant with the crown at or slightly above soil level.
- Backfill the hole and water thoroughly to settle the soil.
- Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming.
Pro Tip
Ensure excellent drainage, especially in winter, as this plant dislikes wet feet which can cause crown rot.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Provide full sun for best flowering.
- Deadhead regularly to promote more blooms.
- Mulch lightly in winter in colder zones.
- Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings.
Don't
- Don't overwater or plant in poorly drained soil.
- Avoid heavy winter mulch that can hold moisture and rot the crown.
- Don't fertilize heavily, which can lead to floppy growth.
- Don't plant in shade.
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deadhead | ||||||||||||
| Divide | ||||||||||||
| Plant |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Color Wheel Stokes' Aster questions
What zones can Color Wheel Stokes' Aster grow in?
Color Wheel Stokes' Aster is hardy in USDA Zones 5–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Color Wheel Stokes' Aster deer resistant?
Yes — Color Wheel Stokes' Aster is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Color Wheel Stokes' Aster bloom?
Color Wheel Stokes' Aster typically blooms in early summer through mid-fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Color Wheel Stokes' Aster need full sun?
Color Wheel Stokes' Aster does best in full sun (6+ hours).
Is Color Wheel Stokes' Aster drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Color Wheel Stokes' Aster handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
More Stokesia to compare
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Stokesia laevis 'Honeysong Purple'
Peachie's Pick Stokes' Aster
Stokesia laevis 'Peachies Pick'
'Purple Parasols' Stokes' Aster
Stokesia laevis 'Purple Parasols'
Omega Skyrocket Stokes' Aster
Stokesia laevis 'Omega Skyrocket'
Mary Gregory Stokesia
Stokesia laevis 'Mary Gregory'
Stokes' aster
Stokesia laevis
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Color Wheel Stokes' Aster with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.