About
Symphyotrichum n - a 'Barr's Purple' is a cultivar in the genus Symphyotrichum (Asteraceae) valued for its late-summer to autumn flowering. The genus contains over 100 species and naturally occurring hybrids, most of which are native to North America but several have been long-grown in European gardens. Plants in this group often show different basal leaves in spring compared with cauline leaves later in the season, and individual size and flower development can vary with site conditions. Flowering takes place from August to October.
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 n - a 'Barr's Purple' belongs to Symphyotrichum, a genus of more than a hundred herbaceous annuals and perennials within the family Asteraceae. Many members of the genus were formerly treated under Aster; the majority are native to North America, though a number of species have been introduced and established as garden plants in Europe. Growers should expect variation between seasons and sites: plants often produce a basal rosette in spring with leaf shapes that differ from the later cauline leaves, and phyllary form may change between early- and later-formed flowerheads. Size, branching and the extent of flowering commonly reflect both genetic diversity and local growing conditions, so observation through a season helps assess whether a specimen needs division or repositioning. Use this cultivar where late-season blooms are wanted, pairing it with perennials that flower earlier to extend interest into autumn. Flowering runs from August to October, supplying the season’s colour when many summer-flowering plants are fading. The cultivar name indicates the flower tone you can expect, with late-summer to autumn heads holding that purple display through October.
More in the Symphyotrichum genus
- Symphyotrichum 'Pink Star'
- Symphyotrichum 'Prairie Purple'
- Symphyotrichum laeve 'Arcturus'aster 'Arcturus'
- Symphyotrichum lat. 'Lady in Black'
- Symphyotrichum n. - a. ' Herbschnee'
- Symphyotrichum novi-belgii 'Dasgra'New York Aster
- Symphyotrichum 'Bee Lee Elliott'
- Symphyotrichum 'Bridal Veil'