Aster ericoides (White Heath Aster) — Clump-forming, upright to bushy

Overview

Aster ericoides is a clump-forming, upright to bushy perennial in the genus Aster, part of the Asteraceae family, with deciduous; simple, often narrow and roughly textured foliage. Aster ericoides grows best in full sun, and tolerates fertile loam; avoid thin and dry soils soils and neutral to slightly alkaline pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6–H7. Suggested uses include borders, wildflower gardens and naturalistic plantings. It is native to Eastern and central North America.

About

Aster ericoides is a clump-forming perennial in the Asteraceae that flowers from August to October. It has narrow, roughly textured leaves and an upright habit. Best sited in full sun on fertile loam that is moist but drains freely, it tolerates exposed or sheltered positions.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Symphyotrichum ericoides

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 ericoides is a perennial from eastern and central North America, placed in Asteraceae and often used for late-season colour. In the UK it flowers from August to October, providing small, late-summer to autumn blooms above narrow, simple leaves. The foliage is deciduous and often rather roughly textured, forming an upright clump rather than a single stem. Plant in full sun on fertile loam; avoid thin, dry soils. It prefers neutral to slightly alkaline ground and consistently moist but well-drained conditions. Position it on a south, east or west-facing aspect for best flowering; it tolerates both exposed and sheltered sites. Hardiness is H6–H7, so it is suitable for very hardy to fully hardy UK gardens and will cope with winter exposure across most regions. Use Aster ericoides in mixed borders, wildflower schemes and naturalistic plantings where late-season bloom is needed to extend interest into autumn. Place it where the white late-summer display can rise above lower plants or mingle with taller perennials to create informal sweeps; its clump-forming habit helps maintain tidy drifts without regular relocation. Expect reliable flowering from August to October.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Aster

Sunlight: Full sun
Soil type: Fertile loam; avoid thin, dry soils
Soil pH: Neutral to slightly alkaline
Soil moisture: Moist but well drained
Aspect: South, east or west facing
Exposure: Exposed or sheltered
UK hardiness: H6–H7

Plant details

Aster ericoides size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Perennial
Habit: Clump-forming, upright to bushy
Foliage: Deciduous; simple, often narrow and roughly textured
Suggested uses: Borders, wildflower gardens, naturalistic plantings
Native to: Eastern and central North America

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Aster ericoides

Cultivation: Plant in an open, airy position — crowding is what brings on mildew. Divide every second or third year to maintain vigour, and pinch or Chelsea-chop the taller kinds in late spring to reduce the need for staking.
Pruning: Deadhead to prolong the display, then cut stems to the base after flowering, or leave them standing through winter for structure and wildlife.
Propagation: Divide in spring, replanting only the vigorous outer growth. Basal cuttings taken in spring root readily.
Pest resistance: Slugs may take young shoots in spring; otherwise generally trouble-free.
Disease resistance: Powdery mildew is the main weakness, especially among the older novi-belgii cultivars. The frikartii hybrids and the aster relatives are markedly more resistant.

Frequently asked questions

How do I grow Aster ericoides?

Plant in an open, airy position — crowding is what brings on mildew. Divide every second or third year to maintain vigour, and pinch or Chelsea-chop the taller kinds in late spring to reduce the need for staking.

Where is the best place to plant Aster ericoides?

Aster ericoides prefers full sun. It suits exposed or sheltered positions.

What soil does Aster ericoides need?

Aster ericoides grows best in fertile loam; avoid thin and dry soils soil. It prefers neutral to slightly alkaline soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well drained.