About
A bushy, clump-forming perennial to 1m with slender, branching stems and small, lance-shaped, mid-green leaves. Produces large, lax, conical sprays of small, white, daisy flowers with yellow centres from late summer to late 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
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-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, Prairie planting, Gravel garden, Wildlife gardens
Care notes
CultivationGrow in moderately fertile, well-drained soil in an open, sunny position; may need staking. See aster cultivation
PruningCut back to ground level in late autumn
PropagationPropagate by division in spring
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to leaf and bud eelworms, slugs and snails
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to Verticillium wilt, Powdery mildews and grey moulds