About
This clump-forming perennial, to 1.5m tall, with broadly lance-shaped, green leaves. Branching spays of lavender-blue flowerheads, with yellow centres, are borne on dark 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, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Coastal, Wildlife gardens, Gravel garden, Prairie planting
Care notes
CultivationGrow in well-cultivated, fertile, moist but well-drained soil in sun or partial shade; may need staking - see staking perennials
PruningCut back in late autumn
PropagationPropagate by division in early spring
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to tarsonemid mite
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to by Verticillium wilt and grey moulds