About

Aster amellus 'Sonia' is a robust, upright perennial characterized by its dense growth habit. It features lance-shaped, dark grey-green foliage and produces loose clusters of rose-pink blooms adorned with yellow centers. This plant blooms from late summer through autumn.

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
Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH
Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture
Well-drained
Aspect
East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
Exposure
Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness
H7

Plant details

Plant type
Herbaceous Perennial
Habit
Clump forming, Columnar upright
Foliage
Deciduous
Height
0.5-1 metres
Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height
1-2 years
Suggested uses
Cottage and informal garden

Care notes

Cultivation
Grow in well-drained, moderately fertile soil in an open, sunny position. Mildew free, but like all Aster amellus needs good winter drainage. See aster cultivation
Pruning
Deadhead spent flowers to tidy, cut back stem close to the ground in late autumn or beginning of spring before the new shoots emerge
Propagation
Propagate by division or root softwood basal cuttings in spring
Pest resistance
May be susceptible to leaf and bud eelworms, slugs and snails
Disease resistance
May be susceptible to Fusarium wilt, Powdery mildews and grey moulds