Overview

Doellingeria umbellata (syn. Aster) is a plant with a clump-forming, columnar upright habit in the genus Doellingeria, part of the Asteraceae family, with deciduous foliage. Doellingeria umbellata (syn. Aster) grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, prairie planting, cut flowers and flower borders and beds.

About

Doellingeria umbellata (syn. Aster) is a clump-forming, columnar upright member of the Asteraceae with deciduous foliage. It flowers from August to October. Plants perform best in full sun on moist but well-drained soils and tolerate a wide pH range. The habit suits mixed borders and prairie-style groupings where a vertical, late-season presence is required.

About the genus

Doellingeria is a genus of flowering plants in the family Asteraceae. It contains species formerly included in Aster but now considered to be a distinct genus. They are known commonly as tall flat-topped asters or whitetops.

Wikipedia contributors, "Doellingeria", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Doellingeria

In the garden

Doellingeria umbellata (syn. Aster) sits in the Asteraceae and produces its flowering display from August to October. The plant carries deciduous foliage on an upright, clump-forming framework that fits naturally into perennial borders and larger informal schemes. Site it in full sun where soils are moist yet drain freely; acceptable textures include chalk, clay, loam and sand and it tolerates acid, neutral or alkaline reactions. It suits east-, south- or west-facing positions and handles both exposed and sheltered conditions. Rated H6 (very hardy), it will withstand normal UK winter conditions without the need for winter protection. Use it in cottage and informal gardens, prairie plantings and mixed flower borders, or grow specifically to cut stems for arrangements. Its columnar habit helps provide late-summer to autumn structure without occupying large ground area, so plant in groups to achieve impact. Flowering from August to October also extends the season when placed alongside earlier and later perennials, and it can supply material for cutting during that period.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Doellingeria

Sunlight

Full sun

Soil type

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Soil pH

Acid, Alkaline, Neutral

Soil moisture

Moist but well-drained, Well-drained

Aspect

East-facing, South-facing, West-facing

Exposure

Exposed, Sheltered

UK hardiness

H6

Plant details

Doellingeria umbellata (syn. Aster) size, habit and characteristics

Habit

Clump-forming, Columnar upright

Foliage

Deciduous

Suggested uses

Cottage and informal garden, Prairie planting, Cut flowers, Flower borders and beds

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Doellingeria umbellata (syn. Aster)

Propagation

Division

Pest resistance

Slugs, Snails, Leaf and bud eelworms, Aphids

Disease resistance

Generally disease-free

Frequently asked questions