About
This clump-forming perennial to around 1m high, with small, narrowly lance-shaped to linear green leaves. (Image shows Symphyotrichum dumosum 'Sapphire'). Airy clusters of small, daisy-like flowers, with white, pink or purple petals and yellow centres that develop to dark red, are borne on slender branching stems in late summer and 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, Well-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
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, Prairie planting, Wildflower meadow, Wildlife gardens
Care notes
CultivationGrow in fertile, moist but well-drained 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