About
Symphyotrichum (Coen's selection) is a late-season flowering selection of the genus Symphyotrichum in the family Asteraceae, notable for its August to October display. It produces composite flowerheads with coloured ray florets and contrasting disc florets. Individuals can show different leaf shapes between spring basal growth and later stems. Flower colour ranges across the genus from white through pink, blue to purple with yellow-to-white discs.
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 (Coen's selection) sits within the genus Symphyotrichum (Asteraceae), a group historically associated with the asters and including many North American taxa and garden introductions. Plants in this genus are herbaceous and often show seasonal variation in leaf form, with spring basal rosettes giving way to cauline leaves later in the season. Flowering runs from August to October, providing late‑summer to autumn colour. Growth habit and appearance vary with selection and site. Individual plants may differ in leaf shape and the form of flowerheads formed early and later in the season, so consider the plant label when choosing a specific stock. Allowing a season to establish before judging size and form gives a clearer idea of how a given selection will occupy space in a border. Where stems become congested, lift and divide clumps to restore vigour. The August–October flowering period makes this selection useful for extending interest at the back of perennial borders or among late-season shrubs and ornamental grasses. Choose companions that do not completely shade the flowerheads during late summer to ensure the display carries through into autumn. Expect the flowerheads to show ray florets from white to purple alongside yellow-to-white disc florets during its flowering season.
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'