Stokesia laevis 'Mel's Blue'
Overview
Uses: Borders, perennial beds, mass plantings, containers, and groundcover-style applications.
Benefits: Soft periwinkle-blue flowers in late summer, strong pollinator appeal, and reliable performance in heat and sun. Tolerates drought once established.
USDA Hardiness Zones: 5–9
Sun: Full Sun
Life Cycle: Hardy Perennial
Growth Habit: Mounding, Clumping — dense, mat-forming spread.
Bloom Color: Periwinkle Blue
Foliage Color: Deep Green (semi-evergreen in warmer climates)
Mature Height: 12"–16"
Mature Width: 12"–16"
Bloom Season: Late Summer to Early Fall
Growth Rate: Moderate
Summary
A durable late-season perennial that delivers cool blue color when many summer blooms begin to fade.
'Mel’s Blue' forms a tidy mound of deep green foliage topped with fluffy, aster-like periwinkle-blue flowers from late summer into early fall. Blooms often appear abundantly, creating a soft blanket of color above the foliage.
Its dense, spreading habit makes it well suited for borders, sunny beds, and container plantings. Once established, it handles heat and dry conditions with minimal care.
Care
Stokes’ Aster ‘Mel’s Blue’ Care
Plant in full sun for best flowering. Partial sun is tolerated, though flowering may be reduced in lower light.
Grow in well-drained soil. While adaptable to richer soils, good drainage is essential, particularly in winter.
Water regularly during establishment. Once established, plants tolerate short dry periods.
Apply a slow release fertilizer in spring if soil fertility is low.
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continued blooming. Cut back foliage in late winter before new growth begins.
Size
What Size is Stokes’ Aster ‘Mel’s Blue’ for Sale Online?
This plant ships in a greenhouse-grade grow pot and is well-rooted at time of shipment. If you have specific sizing questions, please contact us.
How Large Does Stokes’ Aster ‘Mel’s Blue’ Grow?
Mature plants typically reach 12–16 inches tall and wide, forming a compact, rounded mound.
Additional Information
What are some common names for this plant?
Common names include Stokes’ Aster ‘Mel’s Blue’ and Mel’s Blue Aster.
Is this plant good for pollinator gardens?
Yes. Its late-season blooms attract bees and butterflies. Browse more options in our Native Plants collection.
Is it deer resistant?
Stokesia is generally considered less attractive to deer. For similar selections, explore our Deer-Resistant Perennials and Grasses collection.
Where can I find more hardy perennials?
View additional long-lived garden selections in our Perennials collection.
