Aster ageratoides 'Ezo Murasaki' (Balsam Aster) — Clump-forming

Overview

Aster ageratoides 'Ezo Murasaki' is a plant with a clump-forming habit in the genus Aster, part of the Asteraceae family, with deciduous foliage. Aster ageratoides 'Ezo Murasaki' grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates loam soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include borders, cottage gardens and mixed borders.

About

Aster ageratoides 'Ezo Murasaki' is a clump-forming perennial in the Asteraceae that produces star-shaped flower heads from August to October. It originates from eastern Asia and carries deciduous foliage. Flowers range from violet through pink to bluish with yellow centres, giving late-season interest in the border. It favours moisture-retentive, neutral loam in sheltered positions.

About the genus

Aster is a genus of perennial flowering plants in the family Asteraceae. Its circumscription has been narrowed, and it now encompasses around 170 species, all but one of which are restricted to Eurasia; many species formerly in Aster are now in other genera of the tribe Astereae. Aster amellus is the type species of the genus and the family Asteraceae.

Wikipedia contributors, "Aster (genus)", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Aster (genus)

In the garden

Aster ageratoides 'Ezo Murasaki' is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial in the Asteraceae, native to eastern Asia. It dies back to deciduous foliage each winter and re-emerges in spring to form neat clumps that flower in late summer and autumn. Give it a site in full sun or partial shade on a moisture-retentive but well-drained loam with a neutral pH; south- or west-facing aspects are preferred and a sheltered position helps protect the blooms from strong winds. It is rated H6, which translates as very hardy in the UK garden and will tolerate cold winters when planted in suitable soil. Use 'Ezo Murasaki' in mixed borders, cottage garden schemes or along the rear of perennial beds where its August to October flowering extends the season. The star-like heads are typically violet, pink or bluish with yellow centres, providing a clear late-season display that sits well alongside asters and late-blooming perennials.