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

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

Aster ericoides 'Brimstone' is a clump-forming perennial in the Asteraceae that brings late-season flowers from August to October. It has an upright to well-branched habit with narrow, roughly textured leaves that are deciduous. Plant it in full sun on fertile loam, keeping soil moist but well drained and neutral to slightly alkaline. It is very to fully hardy in the UK (H6–H7) and suits exposed or sheltered sites facing south, east or west.

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 '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.