Aster amellus 'Bessie Chapman' — Clump forming

Overview

Aster amellus 'Bessie Chapman' is a plant with a clump forming habit in the genus Aster, part of the Asteraceae family, with deciduous foliage. Aster amellus 'Bessie Chapman' grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, prairie planting, wildflower meadow, wildlife gardens and flower borders and beds.

About

Aster amellus 'Bessie Chapman' is a clump-forming cultivar of the Aster genus, belonging to the Asteraceae family. This deciduous plant thrives in full sun or partial shade and is suitable for east, south, or west-facing aspects, whether exposed or sheltered. It adapts well to a variety of soil types including chalk, clay, loam, and sand, and tolerates acid, alkaline, and neutral pH levels, preferring moist but well-drained or well-drained conditions. Hardy to UK zone H6, it is ideal for cottage and informal gardens, prairie plantings, wildflower meadows, wildlife gardens, and flower borders. Propagation is by seed or division in spring.

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)

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Aster

Sunlight: Full sun, Partial shade
Soil type: Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH: Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture: Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
Aspect: East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
Exposure: Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness: H6

Plant details

Aster amellus 'Bessie Chapman' size, habit and characteristics

Habit: Clump forming
Foliage: Deciduous
Suggested uses: Cottage and informal garden, Prairie planting, Wildflower meadow, Wildlife gardens, Flower borders and beds

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Aster amellus 'Bessie Chapman'

Propagation: Seed, Division in spring
Pest resistance: Aphids, Slugs and snails
Disease resistance: Fusarium wilt, Powdery mildews, Leaf spots, Grey moulds

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to plant Aster amellus 'Bessie Chapman'?

Aster amellus 'Bessie Chapman' prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.

What soil does Aster amellus 'Bessie Chapman' need?

Aster amellus 'Bessie Chapman' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to well-drained.

Is Aster amellus 'Bessie Chapman' hardy in the UK?

Aster amellus 'Bessie Chapman' has an RHS hardiness rating of H6, meaning it is very hardy, tolerating -20 to -15°C across most of the UK.

How do I propagate Aster amellus 'Bessie Chapman'?

Seed, Division in spring.

More in the Aster genus

Browse all Aster →