Aster lateriflorus (Calico Aster) — Clump-forming, upright to bushy

Overview

Aster lateriflorus 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 lateriflorus 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 naturalized areas. It is native to Northeastern U.S.A., Eastern Canada, North-Central U.S.A. and Southeastern U.S.A..

About

Aster lateriflorus is a clump-forming, upright perennial that produces clusters of small white flower heads from August to October. Leaves are deciduous, simple and often narrow with a roughly textured surface. It prefers full sun on fertile loam that is moist but well drained and neutral to slightly alkaline. Plant on a south, east or west-facing site where it can occupy exposed or sheltered positions and withstand UK conditions rated H6–H7 (very hardy to fully hardy).

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Symphyotrichum lateriflorum

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 lateriflorus is native to eastern and central North America and forms compact clumps with a well-branched habit. In the UK it reliably flowers from August to October, bringing late-season white blooms when many summer perennials are finishing. Give it a position in full sun on fertile loam; avoid thin, dry soils. It favours neutral to slightly alkaline pH and a soil that remains moist but drains freely. Choose a south, east or west-facing spot; plants tolerate both exposed and sheltered locations and are rated H6–H7, i.e. very hardy to fully hardy in UK terms. Calico Aster suits mixed borders, naturalistic or wildflower areas and places where a late display is needed to bridge summer and autumn. Its narrow, deciduous leaves and upright clump make it straightforward to plant between other perennials without overwhelming them. Expect consistent flowering from August to October, which is its defining seasonal contribution to the garden.

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 lateriflorus 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, naturalized areas
Native to: Northeastern U.S.A., Eastern Canada, North-Central U.S.A., Southeastern U.S.A.

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Aster lateriflorus

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 lateriflorus?

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 lateriflorus?

Aster lateriflorus prefers full sun. It suits exposed or sheltered positions.

What soil does Aster lateriflorus need?

Aster lateriflorus 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.