About
A clump-forming, upright perennial to about 90cm tall, with neat, lance-shaped, dark green leaves. Sprays of small, daisy-like, pink-flushed white flowers 1.5cm across with brownish-yellow centres, appear from midsummer to mid 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 typeClay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Coastal, Wildlife gardens, Gravel garden, Prairie planting
Care notes
CultivationGrow in moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun or light shade. May need staking, best done in early spring, see staking perennials. See aster cultivation for further advice
PruningCut back in late autumn
PropagationPropagate by division in spring; can be divided every third year to maintain vigour
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to leaf and bud eelworms, slugs and snails
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to Verticillium wilt, powdery mildews and grey moulds