About
A bushy, clump-forming perennial to 1m high with slender, branching stems and small, lance-shaped, dark green leaves. Small, pale lilac daisy-like flowers are produced all along the upper stems from late summer 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
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens, Coastal, Gravel garden, Prairie planting
Care notes
CultivationGrow in moderately fertile, well-drained soil in open sunny position. Divide every three to five years to retain vigour and flower quality. May require support - see staking perennials
PruningCut stems close to the ground in late autumn
PropagationPropagate 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