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

Overview

Aster ericoides 'Blue Star' 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 'Blue Star' 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, cottage gardens, wildflower gardens and cut flowers. It is native to North America.

About

Aster ericoides 'Blue Star' is a clump-forming perennial in the Asteraceae that produces a late-summer to autumn display. It grows upright with narrow, roughly textured leaves and is deciduous. Flowers appear from August to October and make it useful for cutting.

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 'Blue Star' is a North American perennial that forms upright clumps of narrow, roughly textured leaves. It belongs to the Aster family and provides a late-season run of flowers from August to October, extending interest into autumn. Place it in full sun on fertile loam and avoid thin, dry soils; it prefers neutral to slightly alkaline conditions and a moist but well-drained root environment. Choose a south, east or west-facing position; the plant tolerates both exposed and sheltered sites. In UK terms it sits in H6–H7, meaning very hardy to fully hardy, and corresponds to USDA zones 4–8. Use Aster ericoides 'Blue Star' at the back of mixed borders, in cottage and wildflower-style plantings, or as a short-cut flower for arrangements. It performs best where soil fertility supports steady growth through summer and where late-season blooms are wanted to bridge borders into autumn. The flowering period also supplies stems suitable for short vase arrangements, making it useful where both garden interest and cutting potential are required.

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 'Blue Star' size, habit and characteristics

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

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Aster ericoides 'Blue Star'

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 'Blue Star'?

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 'Blue Star'?

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

What soil does Aster ericoides 'Blue Star' need?

Aster ericoides 'Blue Star' 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.