Overview
Aster ericoides 'Brimstone' 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 'Brimstone' 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 pollinator gardens. It is native to North America.
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 'Brimstone' is a North American perennial in the Aster genus, valued for its extended late-summer to autumn flowering (August to October). As a member of the Asteraceae, it forms clumps of upright to well-branched stems with simple, narrow leaves that die back after the season. Give the plant a sunny position on fertile loam; avoid thin, dry soils. It prefers neutral to slightly alkaline conditions and appreciates consistently moist but well-drained ground. Situate it on a south, east or west-facing border and it will tolerate both exposed and more sheltered garden sites. Hardiness is H6–H7 (USDA 4–8), so it withstands typical UK winter conditions without extra protection. Use Aster ericoides 'Brimstone' in mixed borders where a late-season display is wanted, in wildflower areas or within pollinator-focused plantings. Allow clumps room to develop so the upright flowering stems can be seen, and position it where the narrow textured foliage contrasts with larger-leaved perennials for seasonal structure.
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 'Brimstone' 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, pollinator gardens
- Native to
- North America
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Aster ericoides 'Brimstone'
- 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 'Brimstone'?
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 'Brimstone'?
Aster ericoides 'Brimstone' prefers full sun. It suits exposed or sheltered positions.
What soil does Aster ericoides 'Brimstone' need?
Aster ericoides 'Brimstone' 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.
How do I prune Aster ericoides 'Brimstone'?
Deadhead to prolong the display, then cut stems to the base after flowering, or leave them standing through winter for structure and wildlife.
Is Aster ericoides 'Brimstone' hardy in the UK?
Aster ericoides 'Brimstone' 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 ericoides 'Brimstone'?
Divide in spring, replanting only the vigorous outer growth. Basal cuttings taken in spring root readily.
From the Fenn Plants journal
- Notes on DaffodilsWhen to plant daffodil bulbs in the UK, how deep, how to naturalise them in grass, why daffodils stop flowering (“blindness”), and why you should never mix cut daffodils with other flowers.
- Keeping Your NerveHow to garden through a heatwave — the best time to water, why deep soaks beat daily sprinkles, caring for pots and vulnerable plants, and why you can let the lawn go brown.
- Made to LastHow to clean, store and protect garden pots and planters — the frost-proof vs frost-resistant difference, winter care for terracotta and ceramic, and how to reuse a broken pot.
More in the Aster genus
- Aster ageratoides 'Ezo Murasaki'Balsam Aster
- Aster amellusItalian aster
- Aster amellus 'Rudolph Goethe'Italian aster 'Rudolph Goethe'
- Aster amellus 'Sonia'Italian aster 'Sonia'
- Aster amellus 'Ultramarine'European Michaelmas Daisy
- Aster amellus 'Violet Queen'European Michaelmas Daisy
- Aster canus
- Aster divaricatusWhite Wood Aster
