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

Overview

Aster ericoides 'Pink Cloud' 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 'Pink Cloud' 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 and wildlife gardens. It is native to Eastern North America.

About

Aster ericoides 'Pink Cloud' is a clump-forming perennial in the Asteraceae that bears small white flowerheads from August to October. Stems are upright to well-branched and carry narrow, roughly textured deciduous leaves. It prefers full sun on a fertile loam that stays moist but drains, and suits south, east or west-facing positions. The plant is very hardy to fully hardy (H6–H7).

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 'Pink Cloud' originates from eastern North America and sits within the Asteraceae family. It produces numerous small, daisy-like flowerheads in a late-summer to autumn flush, opening reliably from August to October. The cultivar's compact, clump-forming habit and narrow textured leaves give it a fine-textured presence when many other perennials are past their peak. Grow it in full sun on fertile loam; avoid thin, dry soils. It prefers neutral to slightly alkaline conditions and performs best where the soil remains moist but well drained. Choose a south, east or west-facing position; the plant tolerates both exposed and sheltered sites and is rated H6–H7, meaning it withstands typical UK winter conditions. It is also suited to USDA zones 4–8. Use Aster ericoides 'Pink Cloud' in mixed borders, cottage-style beds and wildlife-minded plantings where late-season flowers are needed. Place it among taller late-flowering perennials or mid-border where its upright stems carry flowers above lower foliage. The narrow, roughly textured leaves are deciduous and will be shed after the autumn flowering period.

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 'Pink Cloud' 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, wildlife gardens
Native to: Eastern North America

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Aster ericoides 'Pink Cloud'

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 'Pink Cloud'?

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 'Pink Cloud'?

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

What soil does Aster ericoides 'Pink Cloud' need?

Aster ericoides 'Pink Cloud' 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.