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

Overview

Aster ericoides 'Golden Spray' 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 'Golden Spray' 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, cut flowers and wildlife gardens. It is native to North America.

About

Aster ericoides 'Golden Spray' is a clump-forming perennial in the Asteraceae that bears numerous small white flowers from August to October. It grows upright to well-branched with narrow, roughly textured leaves that are deciduous. Plant in full sun on fertile loam that remains moist but drains freely, avoiding thin, dry soils.

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 'Golden Spray' originates from North America and belongs to the Asteraceae family. It forms clump-forming, upright to well-branched perennial clumps with simple, narrow leaves that die back in winter and a late-summer to autumn display of white flowerheads from August to October. Grow it in full sun on fertile loam, avoiding thin, dry soils; neutral to slightly alkaline pH suits it best. The soil should be moist but well drained. Choose a south, east or west-facing position — the plant tolerates exposed as well as sheltered sites. In UK hardiness terms it sits at H6–H7 (very hardy to fully hardy), and it corresponds roughly to USDA zones 4–8. Use Aster ericoides 'Golden Spray' in mixed herbaceous borders, for cutting, or to attract late-season pollinators in wildlife-conscious areas. It performs well when given space to form a clump and can be planted among later-flowering perennials to extend autumn interest. For cut flowers, harvest stems at the first good flush of bloom during August to October for indoor display.

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 'Golden Spray' size, habit and characteristics

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

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Aster ericoides 'Golden Spray'

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 'Golden Spray'?

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 'Golden Spray'?

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

What soil does Aster ericoides 'Golden Spray' need?

Aster ericoides 'Golden Spray' 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.