Sale
Sold out
Hardy perennial
Asteraceae
Perennials
Stokésie 'Mel's Blue'
Stokesia laevis
Stoke's aster 'Mel's Blue': 45 cm high and 30 cm spread, full sun exposure. Purple flowers from June to September. Zone 5; choose soil compatible with its moisture needs.
- Exposure
- Sun
- Life cycle
- Hardy perennial
- Hardiness
- Zone 5
Discover the plant
Common nameStokésie 'Mel's Blue'
FamilyAsteraceae
GenusStokesia
Speciessmooth
CultivarMel's Blue
TypeHardy perennial
Botanical nameStokesia laevis
Stokesia laevis 'Mel's Blue', known in the garden as Stoke's Aster 'Mel's Blue', combines mauve-toned blooms with an easy-to-place volume in any composition. The foliage has shades of green, which can be highlighted among different textures. The usual flowering period is June-September. Its size of 45 cm by 30 cm reserves it a place in the middle of a flowerbed and for group planting, without forgetting the space of its neighbors.
The success of Stoke's Aster 'Mel's Blue' begins with its location: full sun, in suitable soil (drained garden soil, retaining moderate humidity during establishment). Support the rooting of Stoke's Aster 'Mel's Blue' with deep watering, then check the moisture before watering again. Adjust the frequency to rainfall and heat; avoid small daily applications on already moist soil. A margin corresponding to its spread of 30 cm avoids having to move the clump in the first few seasons. The indicated hardiness level is zone 5, to be assessed according to your garden's conditions.
When planting Stoke's Aster 'Mel's Blue', keep the foliage healthy after flowering to allow the plant to continue its growth. Keep the crown clear and observe recovery before removing damaged parts. For companion planting, consider campanulas, daylilies, and perennial geraniums in varieties with similar needs. By composing around its volume of 45 cm by 30 cm, you will preserve the visibility of its blooms (June-September) and circulation between plants.
Planting guide
From planting to establishment.
Spacing / density
30 cm
Best planting time
Spring after the thaw or early autumn, allowing time for the roots to establish before the severe cold.
Propagation
Division of clumps; stem cuttings. Sowing does not guarantee the fidelity of a named cultivar.
Growing method
Stokesia ‘Mel's Blue’: Spring after the thaw or early fall, allowing the roots time to establish before the severe cold. Support Stokesia ‘Mel's Blue’ root establishment with deep watering, then check for moisture before watering again. Adjust frequency based on rain and heat; avoid small daily applications on already moist soil. Keep the root crown clear and observe new growth before removing damaged parts.
Soil and care
The right care,at the right time.
Soil pH
Acid to neutral; general indication of the botanical group
Care level
Routine maintenance
Watering
Accompany the establishment of Stokesia 'Mel's Blue' with deep watering, then check the moisture before watering again. Adjust the frequency according to rain and heat; avoid small daily applications on soil that is already moist.
Soil type
Well-drained garden soil, retaining moderate moisture during installation
Fertilization
Fertilizer for flowering
Moisture
Moderate humidity; water according to the actual state of the root ball
Seasonal care
Stokesia ‘Mel's Blue’: After flowering, keep the foliage healthy to allow the plant to continue growing. During its flowering period (June-September), also monitor damaged stems and neighboring plants that might overshadow the clump.
Container growing
A garden,within reach.
Recommended pot size
A stable container with drainage holes, noticeably wider than the root ball; size to be adapted to the sold format and adult development.
To try 'Mel's Blue' Stoke's aster in a container, choose a stable pot with drainage holes, suitable for the root ball and its future size (30 cm). Water should drain freely after each watering; check the root ball more often than you would for plants in the ground. Plan to protect the container in winter depending on your climate.
Bloom and dimensions
Its place,in your garden.
Mature height
18 inches (45.5 cm)
Width / spread
12 inches (30.5 cm)
Flower color
Blue
Foliage color
Green
Foliage type
Obsolete
Growth rate
Fast
Growth habit
Erected
Fragrance
Undocumented for this selection
Bloom period
June-September
Garden associations
In goodcompany.
Companion plants
Associations to consider for Stokesia ‘Mel's Blue’: campanulas, daylilies, hardy geraniums. Choose varieties that tolerate sun and comparable humidity; allow each clump its adult space.
Plants to avoid
Around 'Mel's Blue' Stoke's aster, especially avoid neighboring plants that would shade its leaves or strongly compete with its root ball. Compatibility of light, water, and spread takes precedence over a list of so-called enemy plants.
Frequently asked questions
Your questions,answered.
Where to plant Stokesia ‘Mel's Blue’?
Provide sun and suitable soil (drained garden soil, retaining moderate moisture during establishment). Keep the root collar clear and observe the plant's recovery before removing damaged parts.
Where should I plant Stoke's aster 'Mel's Blue'?
Expect a height of around 45 cm and a width of 30 cm at maturity. Space plants approximately 30 cm apart, adjusting according to the actual development of the clump. This size is suitable for use in the middle of borders and for group plantings.
When does 'Mel's Blue' Stoke's aster bloom?
The specified period is June-September. The flower palette is mauve. The exact date and duration depend on the climate, season, and plant establishment.
How to water and care for Stokesia 'Mel's Blue'?
Once Stokesea ‘Mel’s Blue’ is established, water deeply, then check the soil moisture before watering again. Adjust the frequency according to rainfall and heat; avoid small daily applications to already moist soil. Keep the foliage healthy after flowering to allow the plant to continue growing.
Can Stokesia 'Mel's Blue' be grown in pots?
To try Stokesia ‘Mel’s Blue’ in a container, choose a stable pot with drainage holes, suitable for the root ball and its future size (30 cm). Water should drain freely after each watering; check the root ball more often than if it were planted in the ground. Plan to protect the container in winter depending on your climate.
Wildlife and pets
Life,around your plants.
For your perennials and grasses
The right extras.Right here.
Flower and Bloom Fertilizer
Shop the collection
Hand Tools
Shop the collection
