Symphyotrichum laeve 'Arcturus' (Smooth aster ‘Arcturus’) — Bushy

Overview

Symphyotrichum laeve 'Arcturus' is a bushy herbaceous perennial in the genus Symphyotrichum, part of the Asteraceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 1-1.5 metres tall and 0.5-1 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Symphyotrichum laeve 'Arcturus' grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, coastal, prairie planting, gravel garden, wildlife gardens, cut flowers and flower borders and beds. It is native to Arizona, California, Florida, Illinois, Kansas, Texas, Wisconsin and West Virginia.

About

Symphyotrichum laeve 'Arcturus' is a bushy, herbaceous perennial cultivar within the genus Symphyotrichum, part of the Asteraceae family. This deciduous plant typically grows to a height of 1 to 1.5 metres with a spread of 0.5 to 1 metre, reaching full size over two to five years. It thrives in full sun or partial shade, favouring east, south, or west-facing aspects, and adapts well to a variety of soil types including chalk, clay, loam, and sand with a range of pH levels. 'Arcturus' is native to several US states and is notable for its interest in both spring and autumn seasons.

About the genus

Symphyotrichum is a genus of over 100 species and naturally occurring hybrids of herbaceous annual and perennial plants in the composite family, Asteraceae, most which were formerly treated within the genus Aster. The majority are endemic to North America, but several also occur in the West Indies, Central and South America, as well as one species in eastern Eurasia.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Symphyotrichum

Sunlight: Full sun, Partial shade
Soil type: Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH: Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture: Moist but well-drained
Aspect: East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
Exposure: Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness: H7

Plant details

Symphyotrichum laeve 'Arcturus' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Herbaceous Perennial
Habit: Bushy
Foliage: Deciduous
Height: 1-1.5 metres
Spread: 0.5-1 metres
Time to full height: 2-5 years
Suggested uses: Cottage and informal garden, Coastal, Prairie planting, Gravel garden, Wildlife gardens, Cut flowers, Flower borders and beds
Native to: Arizona, California, Florida, Illinois, Kansas, Texas, Wisconsin, West Virginia

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Symphyotrichum laeve 'Arcturus'

Propagation: Seed, Division in spring
Pest resistance: Aphids, Slugs, Snails
Disease resistance: Verticillium wilt, Powdery mildews, Grey moulds

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to plant Symphyotrichum laeve 'Arcturus'?

Symphyotrichum laeve 'Arcturus' prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.

What soil does Symphyotrichum laeve 'Arcturus' need?

Symphyotrichum laeve 'Arcturus' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.