Stoke's Aster Stokesia laevis 'Omega Skyrocket'

Water

Stokes' aster prefers consistent moisture, so aim to water it thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. This typically means watering once a week, but you may need to adjust depending on weather conditions and soil drainage. A good soak with about one gallon of water per plant should suffice, ensuring the plant’s root zone is well hydrated. During the hotter, drier months, you might need to water more frequently. Always avoid overhead watering to keep the foliage dry and prevent fungal diseases. Make sure the plant is in well-draining soil to prevent root rot from overwatering.

Light

The Stokes' aster thrives best in full sunlight to partial shade. For optimal growth and flowering, plant it in a location where it can receive at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. A spot that offers morning sunlight and afternoon shade would be ideal, especially in areas with hot summers. Too much shade can lead to leggy plants and reduced flowering.

Temperature

Stokes' aster grows well in a wide range of temperatures, but it prefers a climate where the temperatures are between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. It can tolerate minimum temperatures down to about 20 degrees Fahrenheit but may suffer if exposed to extreme cold below this range. Maximum temperatures for the plant shouldn't exceed 90 degrees Fahrenheit for extended periods to prevent heat stress.

Pruning

Prune Stokes' aster to remove spent flower heads and encourage a second bloom. Cut back the plant in late winter or early spring, before new growth starts, to shape the plant and remove any dead or damaged stems. Pruning can be done once a year or after each flowering cycle to maintain a tidy appearance and promote the overall health of the plant.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Stokes' Aster requires well-draining soil rich in organic matter with a pH between 5.5 to 7.0. A mix of loamy garden soil, compost, and perlite or coarse sand will provide the ideal conditions for healthy growth.

Repotting

Stokes' Aster, generally being a perennial garden plant, does not require frequent repotting. It should be repotted or divided every 2 to 3 years to refresh the soil and maintain vigor.

Humidity & Misting

Stokes' Aster prefers moderate humidity levels but is quite adaptable. Outdoor plants are generally tolerant of the natural humidity range within its growing zones.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place Stokes' Aster near a sunny window and ensure good air circulation.

• Outdoor

  Plant in full sun to partial shade in well-draining soil.

• Hardiness zone

  5-9 USDA

Life cycle

Stokesia laevis 'Omega Skyrocket', commonly known as Stokes' aster, typically begins its life cycle with seed germination in spring, where it requires well-drained soil and a moderate amount of moisture. The seedling emerges and develops into a rosette of narrow, lance-shaped leaves, which will gradually mature over several weeks to form a clump. Once established, the plant enters its vegetative stage, growing larger with numerous leaves that support the upcoming reproductive phase. In early to mid-summer, it produces tall flower stalks topped with conspicuous blue or purple flowers, attracting pollinators and sometimes blooming sporadically until fall. After pollination, the plant sets seed which can be collected for propagation or allowed to self-sow in the garden. Eventually, as winter approaches, Stokes' aster enters dormancy, with the foliage often dying back to the ground in colder climates, to reemerge from its root system the following spring.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring to Summer

• Propogation: Stokesia laevis 'Omega Skyrocket', commonly known as the Stokes aster, is most frequently propagated through the division of clumps. The best time to perform this task is in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. To propagate by division, carefully dig up an established clump and gently separate it into smaller sections, each with a portion of the root system and several growth points. These sections should then be replanted at the same soil depth as they were previously growing, spacing them about 12 to 18 inches (approximately 30 to 45 centimeters) apart to accommodate future growth. Water the newly planted divisions thoroughly to help establish them. This method of propagation not only helps to rejuvenate older plants that may be overgrown or crowding each other but also allows gardeners to increase their stock of Stokes aster effectively.