{"product_id":"ct-stokesia-laevis-mels-herbaceous","title":"Stokesia laevis 'Mel's'","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eCommon name:\u003c\/b\u003e Stokes' Aster 'Mel's'\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eDescription:\u003c\/b\u003e This delightful North American native perennial produces an abundance of large, fluffy cornflower-like blooms in soft lavender-blue shades throughout summer and into autumn. The flowers, measuring up to 8cm across, have a distinctive ragged, fringed appearance with a paler centre, creating an informal, cottage garden charm. The blooms are held on sturdy stems above rosettes of evergreen to semi-evergreen foliage, and the plant flowers continuously over a remarkably long season, often from early summer right through to the first frosts. This is an exceptionally drought-tolerant and low-maintenance perennial that thrives in sunny, well-drained positions where many other plants struggle. The long flowering period and pollinator appeal make this invaluable for prairie-style plantings, gravel gardens, or the front of sunny borders. Excellent for cutting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eOther benefits:\u003c\/b\u003e very long flowering season, drought tolerant, low maintenance, excellent for cutting, semi-evergreen foliage\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eWildlife attraction:\u003c\/b\u003e bees, butterflies, pollinators\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eHeight \u0026amp; spread (approx.) at 10 years:\u003c\/b\u003e 0.4m x 0.4m\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003ePosition:\u003c\/b\u003e full sun to partial shade; flowers most prolifically in full sun\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eSoil pH:\u003c\/b\u003e adaptable to most soils; performs well in neutral to slightly acidic conditions\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eMoisture:\u003c\/b\u003e low to moderate watering required; highly drought tolerant once established; must have excellent drainage\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eWinter hardiness:\u003c\/b\u003e very cold hardy to -20°C\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Coletta \u0026 Tyson","offers":[{"title":"3 litre","offer_id":57007700803962,"sku":"COL-3L-STO-MEL-BLUX1","price":21.95,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0320\/6758\/4138\/files\/Stokesia-laevis-Mels-3L-Cedar-Nursery-Surrey-1.png?v=1769262554","url":"https:\/\/www.landscaping.co.uk\/products\/ct-stokesia-laevis-mels-herbaceous","provider":"Cedar Nursery - Plants and Outdoor Living","version":"1.0","type":"link"}