About
A clump-forming perennial to around 90cm high, with narrow, linear green leaves. Masses of daisy-like, palest pink flowers with yellow centres are produced in early autumn.
About the genus
Symphyotrichum includes around 90 species of annuals, biennials and perennials, mostly spread through the Americas, that were formerly included within the genus Aster. Leaves are simple, lance-shaped and entire, but it is their daisy-like flowerheads that they are grown for; central disc florets are typically yellow, surrounded by strap-shaped ray florets in shades of pink, blue, purple or white
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy, Clump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, City and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Gravel garden, Prairie planting, Wildlife gardens
Care notes
CultivationGrow in a sunny spot in fertile, moist but well drained soil; add mulch after cutting back in autumn. Divide every third year to retain vigour and flower quality. See aster cultivation
PruningCut stems close to the ground in late autumn
PropagationPropagate by division in spring, replanting only vigorous young shoots
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to leaf and bud eelworm, aphids, slugs and snails
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to Fusarium wilt, Powdery mildews, leaf spots and grey moulds