Honeysong Purple Stokes Aster

Stokesia laevis 'Honeysong'

Nature Hills Nursery

Royal Purple Frilly Petals with Red Hints - Extended Late Summer Through Fall Blooms
Thrives in Zones 5-9
Showy Purple, White Blooms From Late Summer to Early Fall
Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Rabbit Resistant
Native, Pollinator-Friendly - Attracts Bees and Butterflies

$16⁹⁹

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Find your Growing Zone

Plant Size

Quart Container #1 Container

Product variants

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: For the most vibrant purple color and strongest stems, plant in full sun (at least 6 hours of direct light). While it tolerates light afternoon shade in hotter climates, too much shade often leads to floppy stems and fewer flowers.
Soil: These asters crave well-drained soil and will quickly decline if they have "wet feet," especially during winter. If you have heavy clay, mix in some organic compost or plant in a raised mound to ensure the crown stays above the water line.

Watering Requirements

During the first growing season, provide about one inch of water per week to help the roots dive deep into the soil. Once established, Honeysong Purple is quite drought tolerant, though consistent moisture results in much larger, more prolific blooms. If the soil stays bone dry for too long, the plant may skip its secondary late-season bloom as a way to conserve energy.

Pruning Tips

This perennial blooms on new growth, so you should deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage a second flush of color throughout the summer. Think of deadheading like a "reset button" that tells the plant to stop making seeds and start making more petals. In early spring, simply cut back the old foliage to the ground to make way for fresh, green growth.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring as the first green shoots appear. Avoid using high-nitrogen fertilizers late in the summer, as this produces tender new growth that can be easily damaged by the first frost. A light layer of compost around the base of the plant each year provides all the extra nutrients it needs to maintain its deep violet hue.

Delivery and Shipping

Shipping Rates

Ships in 7-10 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

Under $50	$9.99
$50 - $99.99	$14.99
$100 - $149.99	$16.99
$150 - $198.99	$24.99
$199+	FREE

✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee

Understanding Our Container Sizes

At Nature Hills, our plants are sold in industry-standard nursery containers. You will notice we use the word "container" rather than "gallon." Container numbers follow a nursery trade size standard, not liquid volume. The number tells you the plant's size category and general maturity level. A larger container means a more established plant with a stronger root system.

Container Sizes

Quart

Plant age: 6 months to 1 year
Best for: Ground covers, perennials, ornamental grasses
What to expect: Our smallest and most affordable size. Well-suited for planting in multiples across a large area. Allow 1 to 2 seasons for full establishment.

#1 Container

Plant age: 1 to 2 years
Best for: Shrubs, perennials, smaller trees
What to expect: About the size of a large coffee can. A well-developed root system in a manageable size. Good value choice when you have time to let the plant grow into the space over a season or two.

#2 Container

Plant age: 2 to 3 years
Best for: Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment
What to expect: A noticeable step up from a #1 in both plant size and root development. Good choice when you want visible presence without going to a larger size.

#3 Container

Plant age: 3 to 4 years
Best for: Most plants, most situations — flowering trees, shade trees, evergreen shrubs
What to expect: Our most popular size. Strong, developed root system. Plants in a #3 container make an immediate visual impact from day one. If you want a head start rather than waiting seasons for a plant to fill in, this is typically the right choice.

#5 Container and Larger

Plant age: 4 to 5+ years
Best for: Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact
What to expect: Large, mature plants ready to make an immediate statement in your landscape. We also carry #7 and larger sizes for select varieties.

Why "Container" and Not "Gallon"?

Nursery container sizes follow an industry trade standard established for the nursery and horticulture industry. The number is a size designation, not a measurement of liquid volume. Actual soil volume varies by plant type, root mass, and growing medium. Using "container" is the accurate industry term. When you see #1, #2, or #3, think of it as the plant's size tier, not a gallon measurement.

Root Pouch Containers

Some Nature Hills plants arrive in a Root Pouch, a breathable fabric container made from 100% recycled materials. Root Pouches encourage denser root development through air pruning, which discourages root circling and promotes a stronger, more fibrous root ball at the time of planting.

Plants growing in Root Pouch fabric containers, showing the breathable woven fabric construction

There are two types. Knowing which one you have changes how you plant:

Degradable (brown or tan fabric): Plant the entire pouch directly in the ground. The fabric breaks down naturally in the soil over time.
Non-degradable (black or gray fabric): Remove the pouch before planting. Cut the bottom open with scissors, then peel the sides away. The fibrous root ball will hold its shape.

Not sure which type you have? Check the tag on your plant or contact us and we will confirm.

Full Root Pouch planting guide

Choosing the Right Size

Size	Plant Age	Best For
Quart	6 mo to 1 yr	Ground covers, perennials, grasses. Budget-friendly for mass plantings.
#1 Container	1 to 2 yrs	Shrubs, perennials, small trees. Value choice for patient gardeners.
#2 Container	2 to 3 yrs	Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment.
#3 Container	3 to 4 yrs	Most plants. Immediate visual impact. Our most popular size.
#5 and larger	4+ yrs	Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact.

Still not sure which size is right for your project? Our plant specialists are happy to help. Contact us and we will point you in the right direction.

Plant specifications
Plant Characteristics	Cold hardy, Native, Flowering, Deer-resistant, Attracts Butterflies, Attracts pollinators, Drought resistant, Heat Tolerant, Container Friendly
Hardiness Zone	5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a
Sunlight	Full sun
Height	1-2 ft
Width	1-2 ft
Watering Needs	Moderate
Growth Rate	Moderate
Blooms In	Fall, Summer
Flower Color	Purple, White
Native	Yes
Botanical Name	Stokesia laevis 'Honeysong'
Species	laevis
Cultivar	Honeysong
Class	Asterales
Does Not Ship To	AK, HI, ID, MT, PR

Exceptional Blooms Honeysong Purple Stokes Aster

True Royal Purple Flowers
Blooms Late Summer Through Fall
Beautiful Cut Flower
Dark Green Leaves
Great "Thriller" in Containers
Butterflies and Beneficial Pollinators Visit Hourly
Performs Beautifully in High Heat and Full Sun
Rabbits and Deer Tend to Leave Them Alone

It's impossible to be down or gloomy with these pretty flowers in your garden. The wide, open cups feature frilly petals in a spectacularly rich purple hue with hints of red.

Honeysong Purple Stokes Aster (Stokesia laevis 'Honeysong') is a marvelously modern cultivar of a lovely native perennial. Honey bees and butterflies appreciate their long-lasting nectar to wrap up the last of the growing season.

This clump-forming perennial features deep green foliage. The thick, lance-shaped leaves look great all season.

But, it's the four-inch wide, royal purple blooms that really steal the show! The fringed, fine-textured flowers bloom from July until frost; and each vivid purple bloom features a contrasting reddish-pink center.

This compact Aster is an exciting introduction from the late Hosta guru, Alex Summers and his son, Alan, of the former Carroll Gardens. Honeysong Purple is truly one of the most stunning Stokesia on the market, with saturated color.

Give it a planting site in very well-drained soil, with full sun. In the hottest areas, they'll love a little afternoon shade, moderate moisture and mulch over the roots.

Plant this cultivar for impossibly pretty summer color in beds, borders, perennial and cottage gardens. The cut flowers make a beautiful vase of lovely cut flowers.

Even renters can enjoy the serrated blooms! Keep them in garden containers on your balcony to perk up the look of your fall football watch parties.

Don't go without these spectacular native flowering plants to make you smile. Order Honeysong Purple Stokes Aster from Nature Hills today!

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Love this plant!

We have had these in our garden for 15 years and they bloom just a beautifully now as the first year we planted. They have out-survived every other perennial we grow, blooming in the worst heat July can throw down. Now I am going to be moving them to our front walkway garden so that the neighbors can enjoy them as well. The flowers are so beautiful!

Hi Becky,

Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful experience with the Honeysong Purple Stokes Aster! It’s truly heartwarming to hear how these resilient perennials have flourished in your garden for 15 years, even thriving through the hottest July days. Moving them to your front walkway sounds like a fantastic idea — not only will your neighbors enjoy their vibrant beauty, but the plant itself will be quite at home passing along its charm to visitors. For transplanting, just be sure to keep the soil moist and protect the roots during the move to help them transition smoothly!

If you ever need planting or care tips to keep those asters blooming vibrantly for years to come, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re excited for you and grateful to be part of your gardening journey.

Bloom on,
The Nature Hills Plant Knowledge Team

Love this plant!

Hi Becky,

Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful experience with the Honeysong Purple Stokes Aster! It’s absolutely fantastic to hear that your plants have thrived for 15 years and bloom just as beautifully now as when you first planted them. Their resilience through those tough July heat waves truly speaks to their hardiness, and it’s inspiring to hear they’ve outlasted your other perennials.

Moving them to your front walkway garden sounds like a lovely idea—your neighbors are in for a real treat with that burst of color and fragrance greeting them every day! If you ever need tips on transplanting perennials or care advice to ensure they establish well in the new spot, feel free to reach out. Ensuring the soil is well-drained and giving them some supplemental water after moving can really help ease the transition, especially for a veteran favorite like yours.

Thanks again for trusting Nature Hills and for spreading beautiful blooms where all can enjoy them!

Wishing you happy planting,
The Nature Hills Plant Experts

Frequently Asked Questions

Are all asters perennials?

Not all asters are perennials - some are annuals or biennials. However, Stokes Aster like Honeysong Purple is a reliable clump-forming perennial that returns each year. This native blooms from July until frost with four-inch royal purple flowers. Plant in well-drained soil and full sun for best results.

What USDA hardiness zones is Honeysong Purple Stokes Aster suitable for?

Honeysong Purple Stokes Aster thrives in USDA zones 5-9. This heat-tolerant native perennial handles full sun beautifully and blooms from July until frost. Plant in well-drained soil for best results, available at naturehills.com.

How tall and wide does Honeysong Purple Stokes Aster grow at maturity?

Honeysong Purple Stokes Aster reaches 12-18 inches tall and spreads 15-18 inches wide at maturity. This compact perennial forms neat clumps with deep green foliage topped by 4-inch purple blooms. Space plants 12-15 inches apart for proper air circulation.

What type of soil does Honeysong Purple Stokes Aster need to thrive?

Honeysong Purple Stokes Aster requires very well-drained soil to thrive. This native perennial performs best in full sun with moderate moisture. In hot climates, add mulch over the roots and provide some afternoon shade to keep plants healthy.

Is Honeysong Purple Stokes Aster deer resistant?

Yes, Honeysong Purple Stokes Aster is deer resistant - rabbits and deer tend to leave them alone. This makes it an excellent choice for gardens in areas with wildlife pressure. Plant in full sun with well-drained soil for best results, available at naturehills.com.

Does Honeysong Purple Stokes Aster need to be pruned or deadheaded for best performance?

Deadheading spent blooms will encourage continuous flowering from July until frost. Since Honeysong Purple produces 4-inch blooms over an extended season, regular deadheading keeps the plant looking tidy and promotes new flower production. Cut stems back to the next bud or leaf node for best results.

Does this plant prefer full sun, partial shade, or full shade?

Honeysong Purple Stokes Aster thrives in full sun conditions. It performs beautifully even in high heat, though in the hottest climates it will appreciate some afternoon shade. Plant in well-drained soil with full sun exposure for the most spectacular blooms.

Honeysong Purple Stokes Aster

Stokesia laevis 'Honeysong'