Whitecaps Stokes’ Aster 1 Gallon

Whitecaps Stokes’ Aster (Stokesia laevis ‘Whitecaps’)

Whitecaps Stokes’ Aster is a compact perennial forming neat rosettes of leathery green leaves topped by large, fringed pure white daisies in summer. Its tidy, mounding habit provides bright, reliable color for sunny borders, pollinator plantings, and containers.

Distinctive Features

Showy, long-lasting white blooms with fringed rays and contrasting centers attract butterflies, while clean foliage stays attractive through the season in mild climates.

Growing Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Full sun to light partial shade, with more sun for heaviest flowering.
• Soil: Well drained, moderately fertile, slightly acidic sand or loam.
• Water: Moderate; water to establish, then provide occasional deep watering in dry spells.
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 5 to 9.
• Mature Size: 1 to 1.5 ft tall and 1 to 2 ft wide.

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point: Crisp white flowers create a bright accent at the front of sunny beds.
• Pollinator Gardens: Nectar-rich blooms support butterflies and bees.
• Mixed Borders: Pairs well with grasses and heat-loving perennials.
• Containers: Performs in pots with sharp drainage.
• Cut Flowers: Sturdy stems and distinctive blooms suit arrangements.

Low Maintenance Care

• Watering: Keep evenly moist during active growth; avoid waterlogged soil.
• Pruning: Deadhead spent flowers to extend bloom; shear lightly after the first flush to encourage rebloom.
• Fertilizing: Feed in spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer if growth is light.
• Mulching: Apply a thin mulch to conserve moisture and suppress weeds, keeping mulch off the crown.
• Notes: Ensure sharp winter drainage to prevent crown rot.

Why Choose Whitecaps Stokes’ Aster?

• Bright Summer Color: Pure white daisies stand out in sunny displays.
• Extended Bloom: Deadheading and light shearing promote weeks of flowers.
• Compact Habit: Tidy mound fits front-of-border and container settings.
• Pollinator Friendly: Excellent nectar source for butterflies and bees.
• Heat Tolerant: Performs well with adequate drainage and moderate moisture.

Plant in full sun with well drained soil, deadhead regularly, and provide moderate moisture for a long, vivid summer show.