Stokesia laevis 'Mary Gregory' - STOKE'S ASTER 'MARY GREGORY'

Nativar with soft creamy-yellow flowers. This selection was introduced by Niche Gardens in 1998 (the nursery closed in 2019).

Very dense rosettes of longer narrow leaves stay evergreen in milder climates. Forms clumps, and large (3") fluffy flowers bloom from June to early/mid fall (especially if deadheaded). It likes moisture and could be grown on the pond banks, but can be problematic in the winter moisture, which can cause rotting and lead to losing the plant. It also grows well in drier clay, and is tolerant of drought, heat and humidity.

Looks the best in small groups, especially in the front of a sunny flower bed, or even along small ponds if the soil is drained. Can be used as a cut flower.

Blooming Time: June - September
Size: clumps about 1.5' tall x 1-1.5' wide
USDA Zones: 6 to 9
Culture: full sun to filtered sun, adaptable to virtually any soil (including acidic soils)
Moisture Needs: medium moist to medium-dry, up to dry
Origin: the species of Stokesia laeavis is native to coastal states from North Carolina to Louisiana (USDA distribution map) and grows naturally in moist but drained soils (sandy, slightly acidic to neutral)
Deer/Rabbit Resistant: yes / yes
Attracts Butterflies or Pollinators: yes / yes, host plant for caterpillars of several moths
Attracts Hummingbirds: no
Pot Size: square 3.5" x 5" deep pot
Plant Combinations: Good with Echinacea, Achillea, Agastache, Amsonia, summer blooming Allium, Asclepias tuberosa, Aster, Baptisia, Calamintha, Coreopsis, Gaura, Knautia, Liatris, Monarda bradburiana, shorter Monarda hybrids, Nepeta, Oenothera, Penstemons, Platycodon, shorter, Rudbeckia, Salvia nemorosa hybrids, tall Sedum, Solidago, Stachys, Vernonia lettermannii, Veronica spicata hybrids, Yucca, and grasses like Bouteloa, Muhlenbergia, Sporobolus, Schizachyrium scoparium, or shorter cultivars of Panicum.
Picture Copyright: Plantlady, Commons Wikipedia