About
A strong, clump-forming perennial, to around 1-1.2m tall, with mid-green, heart-shaped, toothed foliage. Masses of violet-blue, yellow-centred, daisy-like flowers to 2cm across, are produced in sprays from early 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, Well-drained
AspectWest-facing, South-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Prairie planting, Wildlife gardens, Gravel garden
Care notes
CultivationGrow in moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun or light shade. Stake tall plants in early spring, see staking perennials. See aster cultivation for further advice
PruningCut down flowered stems to ground level once flowering has finished or leave the seedheads and stems in place for wildlife and winter interest
PropagationPropagate by division in spring
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to leaf and bud eelworms, slugs and snails
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to Verticillium wilt, powdery mildews and grey moulds