Stokesia 'Peachie's Pick' is a refined cultivar of Stokes' Aster selected for its compact form, strong stems, and abundant lavender blue flowers that resist flopping even after storms. Its long lasting blooms emerge in early summer and attract pollinators to sunny borders or low meadow edges. The foliage forms tidy evergreen rosettes adding texture to the garden year round and making it suitable for massing, edging, or container planting.
Height & Spread: 12 - 18 in x 18 - 24 in
Bloom Time: June to September
Light Requirements: Full sun
Soil Preference: Well drained, average to sandy soil
Watering Needs: Low once established; water during extended drought
Deer Resistance: Rarely browsed by deer due to coarse foliage texture
Native Status
Stokesia laevis, the parent species, is native to the southeastern United States. 'Peachie's Pick' is a cultivated variety derived from this native base and performs well in naturalistic or pollinator focused garden designs.
WILDLIFE & INSECTS
Bees
- Highly attractive to native solitary bees and bumblebees seeking mid to late summer nectar.
Butterflies
- Draws butterflies such as Painted Ladies, Swallowtails, and Skippers with its open, easily accessed blooms.
Moths
- Visited by dusk flying species like the Hummingbird Clearwing for nectar in the evening.
Spacing & Landscape Use
Spacing Recommendations:
- Space plants 18 - 24 in apart to accommodate mature width and air flow between crowns.
Landscape Placement:
- Ideal for front to mid border planting, pollinator gardens, or containers. Pairs well with grasses and other sun loving perennials in naturalized beds.
Companion Plants
- Eragrostis spectabilis (Purple Love Grass) - Wispy seed heads and fine texture create a soft base around the plant.
- Allium senescens subsp. glaucum - Rosy purple orbs on twisting foliage extend seasonal interest into late summer.
- Coreopsis verticillata 'Moonbeam' - Light yellow daisy flowers highlight the aster’s blue tones and offer continuous summer bloom.
- Scabiosa columbaria 'Butterfly Blue' - Compact habit and perpetual blooms enhance pollinator appeal near the base of the aster.
- Salvia nemorosa 'Caradonna' - Rich purple spires offer height and contrast to the soft lavender blue flowers of 'Peachie’s Pick'.