| After the taller, earlier Stokes's Asters have bloomed their best, 'Peachie's Pick' erupts into rich blue color that fills the midsummer garden and patio containers! Just a foot high and not much wider, this neat little dwarf blooms its head off during the dog days of July and August, when many plants are too hot to show much color! 'Peachie's Pick' is not, as you might think, peach-colored (that would be too easy!). Instead, it's a strong cornflower-blue, with 2- to 3-inch daisies freely borne all over modest little plants just 8 to 12 inches tall and 12 to 20 inches wide. Perfect in front of Daylilies of all colors, it is also a stylish little edging for walkway, perennial border, or the sunny garden path! You can even set it into containers and enjoy this rich blue up close on the patio and porch! So why on earth is it called 'Peachie's Pick'? Well, it's named for the Mississippi plantswoman who discovered and grew it: Peachie Saxon. And you can imagine that if this Stokes's Aster blooms in July in the deep South, it's quite a hardy performer in just about any hot, humid climate -- as well as less extreme temperatures all the way north through zone 5. Unlike some Stokes's Asters, 'Peachie's Pick' won't flop or droop; these cheery daisies keep their faces lifted to the sun! Stokes's Aster is a native American plant, so it's largely untroubled by pests and diseases. Eager to grow in just about any garden soil, it thrives in full sun to part shade. It doesn't like its roots to stay soggy, so make sure your soil drains well. Space plants about 10 inches apart for good solid coverage, and enjoy this miniature sapphire-hued treasure! Zones 5-9. |
