Aster amellus 'King George' (European Michaelmas Daisy) — Clump forming

Overview

Aster amellus 'King George' is a clump forming perennial in the genus Aster, part of the Asteraceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 0.7 m tall. Aster amellus 'King George' 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. It is native to Eastern Europe, Ukraine, Portugal, Baltic States, Austria, Czechoslovakia, Romania and Luxembourg.

About

Aster amellus 'King George' 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 adaptable to a variety of soil types, including chalk, clay, loam, and sand, with a pH range from acid to alkaline. It prefers moist but well-drained to well-drained soils and is hardy to UK zone H6. Suitable for cottage and informal gardens, prairie plantings, wildflower meadows, wildlife gardens, and flower borders, it can be propagated 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 'King George' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Perennial
Habit: Clump forming
Foliage: Deciduous
Height: 0.7 m
Suggested uses: Cottage and informal garden, Prairie planting, Wildflower meadow, Wildlife gardens, Flower borders and beds
Native to: Eastern Europe, Ukraine, Portugal, Baltic States, Austria, Czechoslovakia, Romania, Luxembourg

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Aster amellus 'King George'

Cultivation: Prefers full sun to partial shade; requires well-drained soil; mulch in winter to protect roots; divide clumps every few years to maintain vigor.
Pruning: Cut back to ground level in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
Propagation: Seed, Division in spring
Pest resistance: Aphids, Slugs and snails
Disease resistance: Fusarium wilt, Powdery mildews, Leaf spots, Grey moulds

Frequently asked questions

How do I grow Aster amellus 'King George'?

Prefers full sun to partial shade; requires well-drained soil; mulch in winter to protect roots; divide clumps every few years to maintain vigor.

Where is the best place to plant Aster amellus 'King George'?

Aster amellus 'King George' prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.

What soil does Aster amellus 'King George' need?

Aster amellus 'King George' 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.