About
Symphyotrichum cord. 'Elegans' is a named selection in the genus Symphyotrichum (family Asteraceae) notable for its late-season flowering from August to October. Plants in this genus produce composite flower heads with distinct ray and disc florets; ray colours can range from white through pink and blue to purple while disc florets are yellow to white, ageing pinkish. Individuals in the genus commonly show seasonal changes in leaf shape and can vary in size and flowering habit with different growing conditions. Taxonomically the group includes both herbaceous annual and perennial forms and displays considerable genetic diversity.
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 cord. 'Elegans' sits within a genus of more than 100 herbaceous annual and perennial taxa in the Asteraceae; the majority of species occur in North America and several have been adopted into European gardens. Members of the genus are notable for producing heads made up of ray and disc florets and for a degree of variability between spring basal leaves and later cauline foliage. Expect performance and appearance to respond to site conditions: plants in this group often vary in overall height, branching and the number of flower heads depending on soil and light. Flowering runs from August to October, when the composite heads provide late-season colour — rays may be white, pink, blue or purple while disc florets are yellow to white, turning pinkish as they age. Use Symphyotrichum selections as late-season contributors in mixed borders or alongside grasses and other autumn-flowering perennials; several species in the genus are already established in European ornamental use. When selecting a cultivar, check the label for expected habit and flower tone because individuals and cultivars within Symphyotrichum can differ markedly in leaf form and flower presentation.
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'