Aster novae-angliae 'Lye End Beauty' (New England Aster) — Clump-forming, upright to bushy

Overview

Aster novae-angliae 'Lye End Beauty' 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. It typically grows around 1.5 m tall. Aster novae-angliae 'Lye End Beauty' 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 pollinator gardens. It is native to Eastern Canada, Northeastern U.S.A. and Southeastern U.S.A..

About

Aster novae-angliae 'Lye End Beauty' is a clump-forming perennial New England Aster that reaches about 1.5 m with multiple upright stems. It bears deciduous, narrow, roughly textured leaves and produces rich purple flower heads (occasionally pink or white) from August to October. Plants prefer full sun on fertile loam that remains moist but drains freely, on neutral to slightly alkaline soil. Place on a south, east or west aspect where exposed or sheltered conditions are acceptable and the height can be accommodated in the back of a border.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Symphyotrichum novae-angliae

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 novae-angliae 'Lye End Beauty' is a perennial native to eastern Canada and the north-eastern and south-eastern USA, forming erect clumps of stems that reach around 1.5 m. Flower heads appear in late summer and early autumn, from August to October, often showing deep purple tones with occasional pink or white variations. The plant is deciduous and has simple, often narrow leaves with a rough texture. Grow it in full sun on fertile loam, avoiding thin, dry soils; it prefers a neutral to slightly alkaline pH and a soil that stays moist but drains well. It tolerates exposed sites as well as sheltered positions and sits comfortably on a south, east or west-facing aspect. Hardiness is H6–H7, meaning it is very hardy to fully hardy in UK terms (equivalent to USDA zones 4–8), so it will survive typical winter conditions across most of the UK when planted in a suitable site. Use Aster novae-angliae 'Lye End Beauty' in mixed borders, wildflower plots or pollinator areas where its upright clumps provide late-season colour and structure; at about 1.5 m tall it holds its place at the rear of a border 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 novae-angliae 'Lye End Beauty' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Perennial
Habit: Clump-forming, upright to bushy
Foliage: Deciduous; simple, often narrow and roughly textured
Height: 1.5 m
Suggested uses: Borders, wildflower gardens, pollinator gardens
Native to: Eastern Canada, Northeastern U.S.A., Southeastern U.S.A.

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Aster novae-angliae 'Lye End Beauty'

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 novae-angliae 'Lye End Beauty'?

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 novae-angliae 'Lye End Beauty'?

Aster novae-angliae 'Lye End Beauty' prefers full sun. It suits exposed or sheltered positions.

What soil does Aster novae-angliae 'Lye End Beauty' need?

Aster novae-angliae 'Lye End Beauty' 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.