Stokes's Aster 'Blue Danube'

All Stokesia cultivars are very adaptable and floriferous, but 'Blue Danube' addresses one problem that none other has: the tendency of the blooms to flop after a rainfall. In climates where late-afternoon thunderstorms occur nearly every day of the summer, flopping is quite a problem, and 'Blue Danube' a very welcome solutiion. These flowers hold up their heads no matter the weather!

The blooms reach 2 to 3 inches across, with a dense mass of azure petals surrounding a white center. They arise on wiry but quite strong stems, held above the foliage for a prettier show. 'Blue Danube' is 12 to 18 inches high and nearly as wide, with good branching and rich bright green foliage that reaches up to 8 inches long. In warm climates, the leaves remain through winter!

Once established in your sunny border, meadow garden, or container, this plant is quite low maintenance, becoming increasingly heat- and drought-tolerant with maturity. It tolerates less-than-ideal soil as well, but fares best in rich, well-drained garden soil given adequate moisture.

Best planted in small groups, 'Blue Danube' is a perennial to cherish for many seasons to come. You will appreciate its rich blue tones during those late-summer doldrums, and admire its butterfly-attracting powers. Highly recommended. Zones 5-9.