Aster linosyris (Goldilocks Aster) — Clump-forming, upright to bushy

Overview

Aster linosyris 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 linosyris 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 naturalistic plantings. It is native to Belgium and Walloon Region.

About

Aster linosyris is a clump-forming perennial in the Asteraceae, notable for its small yellow flowers from August to October. It bears deciduous, simple leaves that are often narrow with a rough texture and grows upright to well-branched. Plant in full sun on a south-, east- or west-facing site in fertile loam that is neutral to slightly alkaline and remains moist but well drained. Suited to borders, wildflower gardens and naturalistic plantings.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Galatella linosyris

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 linosyris is a perennial member of the Aster family native to Belgium's Walloon Region. It forms compact clumps with an upright to well-branched habit and carries narrow, roughly textured leaves that are shed each winter. Flowering in the UK runs from August to October, providing a late-summer to early-autumn display of yellow heads. Grow it in full sun on a south, east or west aspect where soils are fertile loam with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH. The soil should remain moist but drain freely; avoid thin, dry soils. The plant tolerates exposed and sheltered situations and is classified H6–H7, meaning it is very hardy to fully hardy in UK terms (approximately USDA 4–8 where that comparison is useful). Use Goldilocks Aster at the front or middle of mixed borders, in wildflower or naturalistic schemes, or on banks where a contained clump is required. Its deciduous, narrow foliage and compact, clump-forming habit suit sites that benefit from restrained structure, while the yellow flowers provide a late-season note from August to October.

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 linosyris 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, naturalistic plantings
Native to: Belgium, Walloon Region

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Aster linosyris

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 linosyris?

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 linosyris?

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

What soil does Aster linosyris need?

Aster linosyris 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.