Overview
Boltonia decurrens is a clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Boltonia, part of the Asteraceae family, with deciduous foliage. Boltonia decurrens grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, prairie planting, city and courtyard gardens, coastal, wildflower meadow, wildlife gardens, flower borders and beds and cut flowers.
About
Boltonia decurrens is a rare species of flowering plant in the family Asteraceae known by the common names decurrent false aster and claspingleaf doll's daisy. It is native to the floodplains along the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers in the United States, where the habitat has been drastically altered, leading to its decline. As the rivers and riparian habitat alongside them have been developed, the plant's distribution has been fragmented into 40 to 43 separate populations. Populations vary depending on the amount and duration of flooding that occurs in the area each year. Grow it in full sun and partial shade and most soil types. In UK gardens it is very hardy across most of the UK (RHS H6). It works well for cottage and informal garden, prairie planting, city and courtyard gardens, coastal, wildflower meadow, wildlife gardens, flower borders and beds and cut flowers. It tolerates soil of any pH, moist but well-drained conditions and east-facing, south-facing and west-facing aspects.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Boltonia decurrens
About the genus
Boltonia is a genus of plants in the family Asteraceae native primarily to North America with one species in eastern Asia.
Wikipedia contributors, "Boltonia (plant)", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Boltonia (plant)
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Boltonia
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
Boltonia decurrens size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Prairie planting, City and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Wildflower meadow, Wildlife gardens, Flower borders and beds, Cut flowers
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Boltonia decurrens
- Propagation
- Seed sown in a cold frame in autumn, Divide in early spring every two or three years
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to powdery mildews
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Boltonia decurrens?
Boltonia decurrens prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Boltonia decurrens need?
Boltonia decurrens is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Boltonia decurrens hardy in the UK?
Boltonia decurrens has an RHS hardiness rating of H6, meaning it is very hardy, tolerating -20 to -15°C across most of the UK.
How do I propagate Boltonia decurrens?
Seed sown in a cold frame in autumn, Divide in early spring every two or three years.
More in the Boltonia genus
- Boltonia asteroidesfalse chamomile
- Boltonia asteroides 'Diva'
- Boltonia asteroides 'Pink Beauty'
- Boltonia latisquama
- Boltonia asteroides var. recognita