About
Symphyotrichum n. - a. ' Herbschnee' is a named cultivar in the genus Symphyotrichum, belonging to the family Asteraceae. Its principal horticultural trait is a clear late-season flowering period from August to October. Plants are valued for extending the season of interest in borders and beds into autumn. Routine pruning after flowering helps keep the clump tidy into winter.
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. ' Herbschnee' belongs to the genus Symphyotrichum within the Asteraceae and produces its display in the late summer and autumn months, flowering from August to October. As a cultivated selection it is most often used where autumn blooms are wanted to bridge the gap before winter. Choose a position that allows the flowering display to be seen from paths or seating areas so its seasonal contribution is not missed. Give plants a spot with free-draining soil and avoid waterlogging; good surface drainage reduces the risk of winter problems. Incorporate organic matter at planting to improve establishment and retain moderate moisture through the first season while roots develop. Support taller stems if necessary to prevent flopping through heavy rain or late-season growth. Use in mixed herbaceous borders, at the rear of perennial beds or alongside late-flowering shrubs to prolong colour into autumn. Remove spent flowerheads where you want to encourage tidy growth and, if the plant forms a clump, divide in spring to renew vigour. Leaving a clear record of when it flowers (August to October) helps plan companion choices for a continuous season of interest.
More in the Symphyotrichum genus
- Symphyotrichum 'Pink Star'
- Symphyotrichum 'Prairie Purple'
- Symphyotrichum laeve 'Arcturus'aster 'Arcturus'
- Symphyotrichum lat. 'Lady in Black'
- Symphyotrichum n - a 'Barr's Purple'
- Symphyotrichum novi-belgii 'Dasgra'New York Aster
- Symphyotrichum 'Bee Lee Elliott'
- Symphyotrichum 'Bridal Veil'