About
A clump-forming perennial with upright to arching, hairy stems with spreading branches and lance-shaped dark green leaves. Clusters of daisy-like white or pale lilac flowers, with yellow centres that turn pink once pollinated, are produced from late summer to mid 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
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7
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, Wildlife gardens, Coastal, Gravel garden, Prairie planting
Care notes
CultivationGrow in well-cultivated, fertile, moist but well drained soil in sun or partial shade
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