About
A tall perennial, to around 1.2m high, with dark near-black stems and narrow, purple-tinted leaves. Branching sprays of pale rosy-violet flowers are produced in 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 hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height1-1.5 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 well-cultivated, fertile, moist but well drained soil in sun or partial shade. Divide every three to five years to retain vigour and flower quality. May need 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 tarsonemid mite, slugs, snails, aphids, leaf and bud eelworms
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to Fusarium wilt, powdery mildews, leaf spots and grey moulds