About
A clump-forming perennial, up to 1.5m high, with upright, branching stems and oval to heart-shaped green leaves. Clusters of small daisy-like flowers, in pale violet, blue or occasionally white, are produced from late summer well into 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
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Prairie planting, Wildlife gardens, Coastal
Native toUSA
Care notes
CultivationGrow in fertile, moisture-retentive soil, in sun or part shade; add mulch after cutting back in autumn. Plants may need support, see staking perennials. Divide every third year to retain vigour and flower quality. See aster cultivation
PruningCut stems close to the ground in late autumn
PropagationPropagate by seed or 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