Aster yunnanensis 'Napsbury' — Clump-forming, upright to bushy

Overview

Aster yunnanensis 'Napsbury' 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 yunnanensis 'Napsbury' 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 China South-Central.

About

Aster yunnanensis 'Napsbury' is a clump-forming perennial in the Asteraceae with an upright to well-branched habit and narrow, roughly textured leaves. It comes from south-central China and provides a late-season run of flowers. Give it full sun on fertile, neutral to slightly alkaline loam that stays moist but drains freely. It tolerates exposed sites and performs best on south, east or west-facing aspects.

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 yunnanensis 'Napsbury' belongs to the daisy family and originates from south-central China. As a clump-forming perennial with simple, often narrow foliage it arrives relatively late in the year to extend the flowering season into autumn. Expect blooms in the late-summer and autumn months. Plant on a site that receives full sun and choose a fertile loam; avoid thin, dry soils that leave the roots at a disadvantage. Neutral to slightly alkaline soil pH suits this cultivar, and the root-run should be kept moist but well drained. It will tolerate exposed or sheltered situations and is rated H6–H7 in the UK, meaning it is very hardy to fully hardy through typical UK winters (USDA zones 4–8). Use Aster yunnanensis 'Napsbury' where a late-season display is needed: mixed perennial borders, the rear of herbaceous beds or any sunny south, east or west-facing position where soil can be improved to the required fertility and moisture regime. Its flowering period from August to October makes it useful for bridging late-summer planting schemes into autumn colour.

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 yunnanensis 'Napsbury' size, habit and characteristics

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

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Aster yunnanensis 'Napsbury'

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 yunnanensis 'Napsbury'?

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 yunnanensis 'Napsbury'?

Aster yunnanensis 'Napsbury' prefers full sun. It suits exposed or sheltered positions.

What soil does Aster yunnanensis 'Napsbury' need?

Aster yunnanensis 'Napsbury' 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.