About
An erect herbaceous perennial to 1.3m tall, with dark green, ovate leaves and sprays of single flowers 15mm wide, with light mauve-blue ray florets and yellow disks ageing to dull red.
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
AspectSouth-facing, East-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens, Coastal, Prairie planting, Gravel garden
Care notes
CultivationGrow in moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun or light shade. Stake plants in early spring. See aster cultivation
PruningCut stems close to the ground in late autumn
PropagationPropagate by division in spring or root softwood basal cuttings in spring
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to leaf and bud eelworms, slugs and snails
Disease resistanceAsters may suffer Verticillium wilt, Powdery mildews and grey moulds