Stokesia laevis Mel's Blue Stokes' Aster

Stokesia laevis 'Mel's Blue', commonly known as Stokes' Aster, is a perennial prized for its vibrant blue, cornflower-like blooms and glossy green foliage. This cultivar is particularly noted for its compact form and extended blooming period, making it a standout choice for various garden settings.

Plant Description:

• Botanical Name: Stokesia laevis 'Mel's Blue'
• Common Name: Stokes' Aster 'Mel's Blue'
• Flower Color: Vivid periwinkle-blue, fringed flowers approximately 4 inches across 
• Foliage: Glossy green, lance-shaped leaves up to 8 inches long 
• Blooming Season: Late spring through early fall

Hardiness Zones:

• USDA Zones 5–9 

Size:

• Height: 12 to 15 inches 
• Width: 12 to 15 inches 

Uses:

• Borders and garden beds
• Containers and patio planters
• Cut flower arrangements
• Attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies

Native Range:

Stokesia laevis is native to the southeastern United States, particularly in moist, sandy soils of pine flatwoods and savannas.

Growing Conditions:

• Light: Thrives in full sun; tolerates partial shade, especially in hotter climates 
• Soil: Prefers well-drained, fertile soil; tolerates a range of soil types including acidic, average, gritty, and rich soils 
• Water: Requires even moisture; drought-tolerant once established 
• pH: Optimal soil pH between 6.0 and 7.0 

Care Tips:

• Deadheading: Remove spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming 
• Mulching: Apply a winter mulch in northern regions to protect roots from severe cold
• Pests and Diseases: Generally pest-free; ensure good drainage to prevent root rot, especially in winter 

By providing appropriate growing conditions and regular maintenance, Stokesia laevis 'Mel's Blue' can be a resilient and attractive addition to your garden, offering vibrant blooms and attracting beneficial pollinators throughout its growing season.

---SHIPPING NOTICE PLEASE READ BEFORE PURCHASING LIVE PLANTS!---

 We WILL NOT refund the purchase of or the shipping cost of live plants purchased with the intent to be shipped to states that do not authorize importing live plants or to states with restrictions! Purchases to these states will be held for 30 days for pick-up at our Slidell, Louisiana store and the shipping cost associated with these purchases will be held for the care of the plant while waiting to be picked up. All sales are final. If the plant(s) purchased are not picked up within 30 days from the date of order, these items will be returned to our sales inventory and you WILL NOT be refunded. Thank you for understanding these policies.

Due to regulations, certain states have restrictions on importing plants. Please review the list below to ensure you're not attempting to order any restricted plants in your area.

**Important Note:** We do not ship any plants outside the U.S.

State-Specific Restrictions - We ARE NOT responsible for any plant(s) that are not listed in these restrictions. Purchaser bears all responsibility for making sure the plant(s) they desire to purchase are not banned from being imported to the shipping state:

Arizona: Juglans spp.  

California: Castanea spp., Juglans spp., Pinus spp., Quercus spp.  

Colorado: Some counties restrict Prunus spp. Please verify your local county regulations.  

Florida: Castanea spp., Cornus spp., Quercus spp., Cornus mas 

Georgia: Vaccinium spp.

Hawaii: Pinus spp. 

Idaho: Humulus lupulus, Mentha spp., Vitis spp.

Indiana: Fragraria spp., Rosa spp. 

Kansas: Juglans spp.

Michigan: Abies spp., Vaccinium spp.

Montana: Pinus spp.

Nevada: Allium spp.

, Mentha spp. 

New Jersey: Rosa spp.  

New York: Vitis spp.  

Oregon: Allium spp., Castanea spp., Corylus spp., Humulus lupulus, Quercus spp., Sambucus nigra, Ulmus spp., Vaccinium spp., Vitis spp.

Texas: Juglans spp. 

Washington: Allium spp., Castanea spp., Corylus spp., Humulus lupulus, Vaccinium spp., Vitis spp.  

Wisconsin: Abies spp., Pinus spp., Picea spp., Mentha spp. 

Additionally, we cannot ship plants in soil medium to the following states: AK, AL, AR, AZ, CA, HI, ID, KS, MS, MT, ND, NM, NV, OK, OR, SD, TX, UT, WA.