About
A clump-forming perennial to 1.3m tall with bronze to dark purple foliage emerging in spring and maturing as the stems develop. Makes an excellent contribution to a prairie-style plantings scheme. Branching sprays of small, daisy-like white flowers with pink centres appear in the 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
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7
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, Coastal, Wildlife gardens, Gravel garden, Prairie planting
Care notes
CultivationGrow in moderately fertile, well-drained soil in open sunny position; may need staking
PruningCut back in late autumn
PropagationPropagate by division in spring
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to powdery mildews and grey moulds