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

Overview

Aster ericoides 'White Heather' 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 'White Heather' 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 cut flowers. It is native to Eastern North America.

About

Aster ericoides 'White Heather' is a clump-forming perennial in the Asteraceae that bears small white flower heads with yellow centres from August to October. It has deciduous, narrow, roughly textured leaves and an upright, well-branched habit. Best grown in full sun on a fertile loam that stays moist but drains freely. Rated H6–H7, it tolerates exposed or sheltered positions across most of the UK.

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 'White Heather' originates from eastern North America and produces a late-summer to autumn display of small white flower heads with yellow centres (flowering August to October). The plant forms tidy clumps with narrow, rough-textured leaves that become less conspicuous as the flower stems rise. Choose a full-sun spot in fertile loam; avoid thin, dry soils. Neutral to slightly alkaline pH suits it best and the soil should remain moist but well drained — water during prolonged dry spells while establishment occurs. It is rated H6–H7 (very hardy to fully hardy in UK terms) and will tolerate both exposed and sheltered sites; USDA zones 4–8 indicate similar cold tolerance abroad. Use 'White Heather' at the rear of mixed borders, in cottage garden groups or as a source of cut flowers. The late-season white heads sit well against deeper-coloured perennials, and the narrow leaves keep the foliage background subdued so the flowers are clearly visible from paths or patios.

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 'White Heather' 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, cut flowers
Native to: Eastern North America

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Aster ericoides 'White Heather'

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 'White Heather'?

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 'White Heather'?

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

What soil does Aster ericoides 'White Heather' need?

Aster ericoides 'White Heather' 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.