Product Description
Stokesia laevis 'Honeysong Purple' (30)ct Flat
Common Name: Stokes' Aster.
'Honeysong Purple' sports true royal purple flowers with a hint of red towards the center that darkens as it ages. The contrasting white stamens and purple-tinged stems add to its appeal. The individual flowers measure 4" across and have petals with deeply serrated edges. They are wonderful in fresh bouquets. The deep green foliage is neatly mounding.
Stokesia is a native North American wildflower. It has been grown for many years for its beautiful flowers and ease of culture. Because of its heat tolerance, it is widely grown in the south. Blooming from midsummer to early fall (if deadheaded), it is a tremendous accent to yellow, pink, or white mums and other late bloomers.
Stokes' Asters perform best in full sun and well-drained soil. It can adapt to dry or moist conditions but cannot tolerate standing water. Deadheading spent flower stalks often prolongs flowering. Once flowering is finished, plants can be cut back to the basal foliage if fresh new growth is desired. Winter mulch is recommended in zone 5.
Height: 14 Inches
Spread: 12.0-15.0 Inches
Hardiness Zones: 5,6,7,8,9
Flower Color: Purple shades
Foliage Color: Green shades
Full Sun (> 6 hrs. Direct Sun)
Low to Consistent Water Needs
Poor to Fertile Soil Quality
Bloomtime: Midsummer - Early Fall
Attracts Butterflies
Bee Friendly
Deer and Rabbit Resistant
Growth Rate: Medium
Border Plant, Container, Cut Flower, Drought Tolerant, Easy To Grow, Mass Planting, Native to North America
Stokesia laevis 'Honeysong Purple' is a delightful perennial prized for its vibrant purple, cornflower-like blooms, and easy-care nature. Here is a breakdown of what makes it a great addition to the garden:
Appearance:
- Flowers: Produces large, showy, fluffy purple flowers resembling cornflowers or asters. The flowers have a unique, fringed or slightly ragged appearance, adding to their charm. They bloom profusely in late spring and summer, often with some repeat blooming later in the season.
- Foliage: Features lance-shaped, dark green leaves that form a basal rosette. The foliage is semi-evergreen in warmer climates, adding year-round interest.
- Form: Grows in a compact, upright clump, typically reaching about 18-24 inches in height and 12-18 inches in spread.
Growing Conditions:
- Sunlight: Prefers full sun to part shade. It blooms best in full sun, but can tolerate some light shade, especially in hot climates.
- Soil: Thrives in well-drained soil. It can tolerate a variety of soil types, including clay, loam, and sand, as long as the drainage is good.
- Water: Prefers consistently moist soil, especially during the first year of establishment. Once established, it is somewhat drought-tolerant, but it blooms best with regular watering.
- Hardiness Zones: Hardy in USDA zones 5-9, making it adaptable to a wide range of climates.
Benefits:
- Vibrant Color: The bright purple flowers provide a stunning display in the garden.
- Long Bloom Time: Blooms profusely in late spring and summer, often with some repeat blooms later.
- Low Maintenance: Easy to care for and requires minimal attention.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers attract butterflies, bees, and other beneficial insects.
- Deer Resistant: Generally, not bothered by deer.
- Versatile: Can be used in a variety of garden settings, including borders, cottage gardens, and cut flower gardens.
Care Tips:
- Planting: Plant in spring or fall. Space plants about 12-18 inches apart.
- Watering: Water regularly, especially during dry spells.
- Fertilizing: Apply a balanced fertilizer in spring before new growth begins.
- Deadheading: Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms and prevent self-seeding.
- Division: Divide clumps every few years to maintain vigor.
Stokesia laevis 'Honeysong Purple' is a great choice for gardeners who want a low-maintenance, beautiful, and pollinator-friendly plant. Its vibrant purple flowers and long bloom time make it a welcome addition to any landscape.
Thirty (30) plants per flat (or tray). Approximate Plug Measurements: 3 inches deep x 2 inches wide.
Other Details
The most important part of the plant is its root system. Healthy roots are the foundation of a healthy, vibrant plant. The type of plug container used is based on the specific needs of the plants. Perennials offered as bare root traditionally perform better when planted as bare root.Planted in a specialized mix, potted plants have well established root systems. Top growth stage will vary depending on the current life cycle and time of year when shipped. In Winter and early Spring dormant plants may be shipped. Dormant plants may be planted right away, even before the last frost date.
Most bare root varieties are field grown for at least one season, though Hemerocallis and Hosta are grown for two seasons. The bulk of the soil is removed during the harvesting process and the tops of most varieties are trimmed back to the crown. They are graded, packed in shredded aspen or sphagnum moss and stored in freezers until ready to be shipped.
See our Container Sizes and Bare Root Perennials pages for more information.
Plant information and care is provided in the Overview section, Plant Genus Page and general information is provided in the Planting Care & Guides. Additional questions can be asked on each Plant page.
Plant Spacing: Using the maximum mature spread or width of a plant to guide spacing, ensures space to grow to full size. To fill an area sooner, plant them closer together. Just remember, future thinning or transplanting may be needed.
Water: Keep a close eye on newly planted perennials, especially throughout the first growing year. Most early plant loss is due to too much or too little water!
