Aster thomsonii 'Winchmore Hill' — Clump-forming, upright to bushy

Overview

Aster thomsonii 'Winchmore Hill' 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 'Winchmore Hill' 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, cottage gardens, wildflower gardens and cut flowers. It is native to Pakistan and West Himalaya.

About

Aster thomsonii 'Winchmore Hill' is a clump-forming perennial Aster that provides a late-summer to autumn display, flowering from August to October. It forms an upright to well-branched clump with deciduous, often narrow leaves that have a rough texture. Best sited in full sun on a fertile loam kept moist but well drained, it favours neutral to slightly alkaline soils and should not be planted in thin, dry ground. Rated H6–H7, it is very hardy to fully hardy in UK conditions.

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 'Winchmore Hill' is a member of the Asteraceae from the western Himalaya and Pakistan and is valued for its late-season flowering. The plant forms a clump-forming, upright to well-branched perennial with simple, often narrow leaves that are deciduous and have a roughly textured surface. Flowering extends from August to October, making it one of the later-flowering asters available. Plant in a sunny spot on fertile loam that is neutral to slightly alkaline; avoid thin, dry soils as the species prefers moist but well-drained conditions. It will tolerate exposed or sheltered positions and is rated H6–H7, meaning it is very hardy to fully hardy across the UK (USDA 4–8). Position on a south, east or west-facing aspect to maximise flower production and air circulation. Use Aster thomsonii 'Winchmore Hill' in mixed borders and cottage or wildflower gardens where its late-season blooms extend the display, and cut stems for late-summer and autumn arrangements. Planting in small groups helps supply sufficient stems for cutting and ensures the August–October flowering is noticed within a border.

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 'Winchmore Hill' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Perennial
Habit: Clump-forming, upright to bushy
Foliage: Deciduous; simple, often narrow and roughly textured
Suggested uses: Borders, cottage gardens, wildflower gardens, cut flowers
Native to: Pakistan, West Himalaya

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Aster thomsonii 'Winchmore Hill'

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 'Winchmore Hill'?

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 'Winchmore Hill'?

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

What soil does Aster thomsonii 'Winchmore Hill' need?

Aster thomsonii 'Winchmore Hill' 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.