Stokesia Laevis

Stokes' aster is a compact evergreen perennial from the south-eastern United States, forming a basal rosette of lance-shaped leaves. Upright summer stems carry broad cornflower-like heads in violet-blue to purple, with deeply cut outer florets surrounding a softly textured centre. The long-lasting blooms are excellent for cutting and are visited by bees and butterflies from midsummer into early autumn. Stokesia laevis is easy and striking in a sunny border or container, provided the soil is fertile, sheltered and sharply drained through winter.