About
Symphyotrichum lat. 'Lady in Black' is a cultivated selection in the genus Symphyotrichum (family Asteraceae) valued for its late-season flowering. It blooms from August to October, extending interest into autumn. Plants are typically used where an autumn display is wanted and can be planted in groups for greater impact. The cultivar name should be used when sourcing to ensure the correct selection.
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 lat. 'Lady in Black' belongs to the genus Symphyotrichum within the Asteraceae family and is grown for its late-season display, flowering from August to October. That flowering window makes it a practical choice for adding colour after the main summer flush has finished and for supporting late pollinators. Place plants where their autumn blooms will be visible — at the front of a mixed border or beside a path — and group several together to increase visual impact during the August to October period. When siting, allow room for air movement around the stems to reduce the risk of congestion as the season progresses. Routine maintenance is straightforward: remove spent flowerheads to keep the planting tidy through autumn and, if clumps become overcrowded after a few seasons, divide them outside of the flowering period to renew vigour. If ordering, check the label carefully and request Symphyotrichum lat. 'Lady in Black' by name to obtain this particular selection. That ensures you receive the plant intended for late-summer into autumn interest.
More in the Symphyotrichum genus
- Symphyotrichum 'Pink Star'
- Symphyotrichum 'Prairie Purple'
- Symphyotrichum laeve 'Arcturus'aster 'Arcturus'
- Symphyotrichum n - a 'Barr's Purple'
- Symphyotrichum n. - a. ' Herbschnee'
- Symphyotrichum novi-belgii 'Dasgra'New York Aster
- Symphyotrichum 'Bee Lee Elliott'
- Symphyotrichum 'Bridal Veil'