About

Aster amellus is a perennial that forms clumps and typically grows to a height of 30-60 cm. Its growth habit can be either upright or arching. The leaves are lance-shaped and a medium green. Flowering occurs from late summer into autumn, producing loose clusters of lilac-blue flowerheads that can reach up to 15 cm in width, each with a central yellow disc that measures around 5 cm across.

About the genus

Aster includes perennials, annuals, and subshrubs, typically characterized by slender leaves and flowers that resemble daisies, either appearing alone or in clusters.

Growing conditions

Sunlight
Full sun
Soil type
Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture
Well-drained
Aspect
South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
Exposure
Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness
H7

Plant details

Plant type
Herbaceous Perennial
Habit
Clump forming
Foliage
Deciduous
Height
0.1-0.5 metres
Spread
0.5-1 metres
Time to full height
2-5 years
Suggested uses
City and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Wildflower meadow

Care notes

Cultivation
Grow in well-drained, moderately fertile soil in an open, sunny position. See aster cultivation
Pruning
Deadhead spent flowers to tidy, cut back stem close to the ground in late autumn
Propagation
Propagate by division in spring or root softwood basal cuttings in spring
Pest resistance
May be susceptible to leaf and bud eelworms, slugs and snails
Disease resistance
Asters may be susceptible to Verticillium wilt, Powdery mildews and grey moulds