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 herbaceous perennial aster that flowers from August to October, producing blue to purple ray florets. Plants form well-branched clumps and reach 1–1.5 metres in height with a 0.5–1 metre spread. Foliage is deciduous and the plant favours full sun to partial shade on moist but well-drained soils. It is fully hardy (H7) and generally reaches mature size in 2–5 years.

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. Several species have been introduced to Europe as garden specimens, most notably New England aster and New York aster.

Wikipedia contributors, "Symphyotrichum", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Symphyotrichum

In the garden

Symphyotrichum laeve 'Arcturus' is a North American aster cultivated for its late summer and autumn display. Its native range includes several US states such as Arizona, California, Florida, Illinois, Kansas, Texas, Wisconsin and West Virginia. The flower heads show blue to purple rays with yellow disc florets that age through warmer tones, giving colour when many other perennials are fading. Plant it where it receives full sun or partial shade on soils ranging from chalk and clay to loam or sand, provided the soil remains moist but well drained. It suits east-, south- or west-facing positions and tolerates both exposed and sheltered sites; note the hardiness rating H7, which denotes it is fully hardy across the UK. Allow room for its 0.5–1 metre spread and expect it to establish to 1–1.5 metres over 2–5 years. Use Symphyotrichum laeve 'Arcturus' in flower borders, prairie and gravel plantings, coastal or wildlife gardens, and for cutting. Its late-season blooms extend interest into autumn and provide nectar for late-flying pollinators; expect the full August to October display once plants reach mature height.

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.