About
A clump-forming, deciduous herbaceous perennial with horizontal branches of dark green foliage and sturdy stems producing masses of daisy-like white flowers with yellow centres in early autumn, which turn pink once pollinated.
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, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy, Clump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Prairie planting, Wildlife gardens, Coastal, Gravel garden
Care notes
CultivationGrow in fertile, moisture-retentive soil, in full sun or partial shade; mulch every year after cutting down in late autumn. Divide every third year to retain vigour and flower quality
PruningCut stems close to the ground in late autumn
PropagationPropagate by division in spring, replanting only vigorous young shoots
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids, leaf and bud eelworms, slugs, snails and tarsonemid mite
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to Fusarium wilt, grey moulds, leaf spot but good resistance to powdery mildews