Mel's Blue Stoke's Aster

Plant in spring or fall in average, well-drained to dry soil, spacing 12–18 inches apart. Mel's Blue is a compact Stoke's aster with large, lavender-blue flowers and a reliable, free-flowering habit. It adapts to average to lean conditions without special preparation. Water regularly for the first few weeks, then reduce as the plant establishes. Good drainage is more important than soil richness.

Deadhead spent flowers to keep new blooms forming through the season. Divide every three to four years in spring to maintain vigor. No heavy fertilizing is needed. Stoke's aster is notably heat and drought tolerant once established — an excellent perennial for hot, dry summers in the South. The large, fringed, lavender-blue flowers are beautiful for cutting and provide excellent summer nectar for butterflies and bees.