About
Symphyotrichum 'Bridal Veil' is a named cultivar within the genus Symphyotrichum (family Asteraceae) notable for its late-season flowering. It belongs to a genus of over 100 species and naturally occurring hybrids once treated within Aster. Plants in this group produce composite flowerheads made up of ray and disc florets and typically bloom in the autumn. Expect the flowering period for Symphyotrichum 'Bridal Veil' to be from August to October.
About the genus
Symphyotrichum is a genus of over 100 species and naturally occurring hybrids of herbaceous annual and perennial plants in the composite family, Asteraceae, most which were formerly treated within the genus Aster. The majority are endemic to North America, but several also occur in the West Indies, Central and South America, as well as one species in eastern Eurasia. Several species have been introduced to Europe as garden specimens, most notably New England aster and New York aster.
Wikipedia contributors, "Symphyotrichum", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Symphyotrichum
In the garden
Symphyotrichum 'Bridal Veil' sits in the Asteraceae and is one of many named entries in a genus that includes more than 100 species and naturally occurring hybrids. The bulk of Symphyotrichum species are native to North America, though a number also occur through the West Indies, Central and South America, and one species reaches eastern Eurasia; several members of the genus have been introduced to Europe as garden plants. Taxonomy within Symphyotrichum is complex and plants often show seasonal variation. Individuals can carry different leaf shapes at the rosette stage compared with later cauline leaves, and the form of flowerhead bracts (phyllaries) can change between early and later blooms. Plant size and the extent of flowering vary with growing conditions, and genetic diversity within species is considerable. Ray florets across the genus occur in white, pink, blue or purple, while disc florets range from yellow to white and may become pinkish as they age. For gardeners, the defining practical point is the timing: Symphyotrichum 'Bridal Veil' flowers from August to October, so place it where autumn blooms will be appreciated. Observe seasonal shifts in leaf form and flowering as part of assessing the plant in your border, and use its late display to bridge summer and winter interest. Expect to see its flowerheads through the August–October period.
More in the Symphyotrichum genus
- Symphyotrichum 'Pink Star'
- Symphyotrichum 'Prairie Purple'
- Symphyotrichum laeve 'Arcturus'aster 'Arcturus'
- Symphyotrichum lat. 'Lady in Black'
- Symphyotrichum n - a 'Barr's Purple'
- Symphyotrichum n. - a. ' Herbschnee'
- Symphyotrichum novi-belgii 'Dasgra'New York Aster
- Symphyotrichum 'Bee Lee Elliott'