Stokes Aster
Stokesia laevis
Pickup available at Aiken Nursery
Usually ready in 2-4 days
Stokesia laevis is one of those rare native perennials that marries toughness with elegance—a plant that has stood its ground in the Southeastern pinelands for ages, yet looks as though it belongs in the most refined cottage border. Native to the sandy, open woods of the Carolinas and Georgia, this “Stokes’ Aster” rises from the ground each spring with tidy, evergreen rosettes of glossy leaves before sending up broad, fringed flowers in shades of sky blue, lavender, or soft cream.
Named in honor of Dr. Jonathan Stokes, an 18th-century English botanist and early champion of American flora, the species found its way into cultivation in the early 1900s, when gardeners discovered what naturalists already knew: this plant thrives in heat, humidity, and less-than-ideal soils, all while carrying itself with surprising refinement. Its large, thistle-like blooms sit atop sturdy stems in early summer, inviting butterflies from every corner of the garden. They hold their color remarkably well in the sun and resist flopping, even after summer storms—not a common claim among many showy perennials.
Yet what makes Stokesia truly beloved is its balance of character: Southern by temperament, but worldly in appearance; durable in drought, yet graceful in bloom; dependable in structure, yet airy and wild in spirit. Whether tucked into a sunny native bed, edging a gravel path, or standing in soft drifts alongside other Southeastern companions, Stokesia laevis offers a painterly splash of color just when the garden begins to heat up.
If you’re looking for a native perennial with heritage, longevity, and a generous heart, this one has earned its place. A true Woodlanders kind of plant—rooted in local history, built for Southern gardens, and beautiful in every sense.
Photos courtesy of Sally and Andy Wasowski
- Hardiness
- USDA Zones 5–9
- Sun
- Full Sun, Part Shade
- Soil
- Well-drained
- Mature size
- Height 12–18 Inches · Spread 12–18 Inches
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Seasonality
- Dies back
From rooting to shipping, our top priority is ensuring you receive healthy, thriving plants for your garden’s success.
Because most of our plants are grown from rooted cuttings — alongside seed, air layering, and grafting chosen for each variety — you receive a stronger, true-to-type plant that establishes quickly in your garden.
Raised on organic soil blends and eco-friendly pest management — never harsh chemicals — your plant arrives healthy for your garden, your family, and the pollinators they feed.
Every purchase gives back. We donate to the Aiken Arboretum and support local wildlife conservation, so growing your garden helps protect the wider ecosystem too.
All our plant material is carefully propagated, grown, and nurtured at our humble nursery in Aiken, South Carolina.
Your plant arrives carefully packed and ready to settle in. Unpack them promptly, give them a day or two to acclimate, then plant following the notes we include — that’s all it takes. Clear care guidance comes with every order, so success is the easy part.
What to expect upon delivery
All our plants are sold in 1-gallon sizes, though the height of each plant can vary depending on its growth rate and seasonality, typically ranging from 1/2 to 2.5 feet.
Each plant is carefully packaged with its roots enclosed in a secure plastic bag containing moist soil, forming a compact root ball. To ensure safe transport, the box is padded with recycled newspaper, providing both stability and eco-friendly protection from weather during shipping.
What is your return policy?
Review our full return policy information on our SHIPPING AND RETURNS POLICY page.
What payment methods can I use?
We offer 35 different payment methods including major providers like Mastercard, Visa, PayPal, American Express and Diners as well as many different local payment methods including Klarna, iDEAL, AliPay, Sofort, giropay, and many more.
Can I make changes to my order after it’s been placed?
At Woodlanders, we strive to fulfill orders as quickly as possible. Therefore, we can only accommodate changes to your order within the first 24 hours after it has been placed. These changes include adding or removing products and modifying the delivery address. If you need to make any changes or if there has been a mistake with your order information, please reach out to us promptly via our CONTACT page with your order number for the quickest resolution.
Your satisfaction is our priority, and we appreciate your understanding and cooperation.