Aster pyrenaeus 'Lutetia' — Clump-forming

Overview

Aster pyrenaeus 'Lutetia' is a clump-forming perennial in the genus Aster, part of the Asteraceae family, with deciduous foliage. Aster pyrenaeus 'Lutetia' grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include borders, cottage gardens and wildlife gardens. It is native to Pyrenees.

About

Aster pyrenaeus 'Lutetia' is a clump-forming aster in the family Asteraceae that flowers from August to October. It carries deciduous foliage and establishes as a neat mound. The cultivar prefers full sun on a neutral loam that stays moist but is well-drained. Plant it in a south-facing, sheltered spot; it is rated H6 (very hardy) for UK gardens.

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 'Lutetia' is a clump-forming member of the Aster genus and the wider Asteraceae family, producing its blooms from August to October. The plant has deciduous leaves and forms tidy clumps that perform well as part of late-season displays. Give Aster pyrenaeus 'Lutetia' a sunny, south-facing site that is sheltered from strong winds. It suits a loam soil with a neutral pH that remains moist yet drains freely; avoid locations prone to waterlogging. The cultivar’s UK hardiness rating is H6, which equates to very hardy, so it will survive most winter conditions across the British Isles when sited appropriately. Use 'Lutetia' in mixed herbaceous borders, cottage-style plantings or areas designed to support wildlife; its late summer to autumn flowering helps extend the border season. Because it is deciduous and clump-forming it works well when grouped or placed between shrubs that provide structure earlier in the year. Expect reliable flowers from August to October, carrying border colour into the autumn months.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Aster

Sunlight: Full sun
Soil type: Loam
Soil pH: Neutral
Soil moisture: Moist but well-drained
Aspect: South-facing
Exposure: Sheltered
UK hardiness: H6

Plant details

Aster pyrenaeus 'Lutetia' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Perennial
Habit: Clump-forming
Foliage: Deciduous
Suggested uses: Borders, cottage gardens, wildlife gardens
Native to: Pyrenees

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Aster pyrenaeus 'Lutetia'

Cultivation: Plant in spring or autumn; prefers well-drained soil; mulch in winter
Pruning: Cut back after flowering to maintain shape
Propagation: Division, seed
Pest resistance: Aphids, slugs, snails
Disease resistance: Powdery mildew, Fusarium wilt, leaf spots