Stokesia

From LoveToKnow Garden

Stokesia - S. cyanea is a handsome hardy American perennial, 18 to 24 inches high, and of stout free growth, with, in September, large showy blue flowers somewhat similar to those of a China Aster. It grows freely in good warm soils, but from its late season it does not always bloom well. In damp localities place a handlight over the plants at the flowering season, but so arranged as to allow free admission of air. The variety precox, which flowers in August, is better. There are also white-flowered varieties of this early form. Failing seed, the only way to increase the Stokesia is by means of root cuttings in winter, and these inserted in pots of sandy soil in the greenhouse soon make useful plants.