About
A clump-forming perennial to 1m with slender, branching stems and small, lance-shaped, mid-green leaves. Upright stems are topped with sprays of fairly small, lilac-pink daisies 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, 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
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Prairie planting, Wildlife gardens
Care notes
CultivationGrow in fertile, moisture-retentive soil, in full sun or partial shade; mulch every year after cutting down in late autumn. 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 aphids, leaf and bud eelworm, slugs and snails
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to Fusarium wilt, grey moulds and leaf spot. Generally resistant to powdery mildews