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

Overview

Aster ericoides 'Ringdove' 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 'Ringdove' 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 wildflower gardens. It is native to North America.

About

Aster ericoides 'Ringdove' is a clump-forming perennial in the Asteraceae, producing an upright to multi-stemmed habit with narrow, roughly textured leaves. It flowers from August to October, offering a late-season display. Best grown in full sun on fertile loam that stays moist but drains freely. Prefers neutral to slightly alkaline soil and suits south, east or west aspects.

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 'Ringdove' originates from North America and sits in the genus Aster within the daisy family Asteraceae. As a perennial it forms distinct clumps of stems and leaves that die back in winter. It is rated H6–H7, meaning it is very hardy to fully hardy in UK terms and will tolerate typical winter conditions across most of Britain when planted in a suitable site. Plant in full sun on a fertile loam; avoid thin, dry soils. Aim for soil that remains moist but drains well, and use neutral to slightly alkaline conditions where possible. It performs on south, east or west-facing positions and will cope with exposed or sheltered sites, making it useful where a sunny, open spot is available. Use Aster ericoides 'Ringdove' in mixed borders, cottage gardens and wildflower schemes where a late-season flush is needed. Its clump-forming habit and narrow, simple leaves sit well alongside ornamental grasses and other late perennials, providing finishing-season flowers from August to October without requiring specialist soil amendments.

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 'Ringdove' 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
Native to: North America

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Aster ericoides 'Ringdove'

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 'Ringdove'?

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 'Ringdove'?

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

What soil does Aster ericoides 'Ringdove' need?

Aster ericoides 'Ringdove' 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.