Aster thomsonii 'Nanus' — Clump-forming, upright to bushy

Overview

Aster thomsonii 'Nanus' 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 thomsonii 'Nanus' 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 Pakistan and West Himalaya.

About

Aster thomsonii 'Nanus' is a clump-forming perennial aster that flowers from August to October. It forms upright to well-branched clumps with simple, often narrow leaves that have a rough texture and are deciduous. Best grown in full sun on fertile loam that is moist but well drained and neutral to slightly alkaline. It suits south, east or west-facing sites and tolerates exposed or sheltered positions in 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 thomsonii 'Nanus' belongs to the Asteraceae and originates from Pakistan and the West Himalaya. As a clump-forming perennial it produces upright to well-branched growth and simple, often narrow leaves that die back in winter. Flowering runs from August to October, providing a clear late-summer to autumn display in suitable sites. Plant in full sun on fertile loam and avoid thin, dry soils; the species prefers soil that remains moist but drains freely and performs best on neutral to slightly alkaline ground. It will tolerate both exposed and sheltered positions and is rated H6–H7 for UK hardiness (very hardy to fully hardy), with an equivalent USDA range of 4–8. Position where roots can retain moisture without sitting in water. In the garden, Aster thomsonii 'Nanus' works well within herbaceous borders or mixed perennial groups where late-season flowering is needed. Give it space to form a clump and allow the flowering period from August to October to bridge high-summer blooms and later autumn plants.

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 thomsonii 'Nanus' size, habit and characteristics

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

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Aster thomsonii 'Nanus'

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 thomsonii 'Nanus'?

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 thomsonii 'Nanus'?

Aster thomsonii 'Nanus' prefers full sun. It suits exposed or sheltered positions.

What soil does Aster thomsonii 'Nanus' need?

Aster thomsonii 'Nanus' 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.