Aster pyrenaeus — Clump-forming, upright to bushy

Overview

Aster pyrenaeus 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 pyrenaeus 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. It is native to Pyrenees.

About

Aster pyrenaeus is a clump-forming perennial in the Asteraceae that flowers from August to October. It carries an upright to well-branched habit of deciduous, often narrow leaves with a rough texture. The species performs best in full sun on moist, fertile loam and should not be placed on thin, dry soils. It is very hardy to fully hardy in the UK (H6–H7).

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 pyrenaeus is a perennial aster native to the Pyrenees, producing late-summer into autumn blooms and forming a steady clump of upright to well-branched growth. The plant belongs to the Asteraceae and bears simple, often narrow leaves with a distinctly rough texture that are deciduous over winter. Grow Aster pyrenaeus in a sunny site on a fertile loam that remains moist but drains freely; avoid thin, dry soils where it will struggle. It prefers neutral to slightly alkaline conditions and suits south, east or west-facing positions. Exposure may be either exposed or sheltered, and its UK hardiness ranges from H6 to H7 (very hardy to fully hardy), corresponding to USDA zones 4–8. Use Aster pyrenaeus where late-season flowering is needed: the species sits well at the back of mixed borders or in naturalistic drifts where soil is not impoverished. Position plants where their August-to-October flowering will be seen, since the season is a defining feature of this species and provides autumn interest when many summer perennials are fading.

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 pyrenaeus size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Perennial
Habit: Clump-forming, upright to bushy
Foliage: Deciduous; simple, often narrow and roughly textured
Native to: Pyrenees

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Aster pyrenaeus

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 pyrenaeus?

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 pyrenaeus?

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

What soil does Aster pyrenaeus need?

Aster pyrenaeus 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.