About
A clump-forming perennial, to around 1.1m high, with upright stems bearing lance-shaped, roughly hairy green leaves. Clusters of daisy-like, lavender-blue flowers, with fine, narrow petals and yellow-brown central discs, are produced in 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
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-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 usesCottage and informal garden, Prairie planting, Wildlife gardens, Coastal, Gravel garden
Care notes
CultivationThrives in fertile, moist but well drained, preferably neutral to alkaline soil in sun or partial shade. Plants will benefit from mulching in autumn, and will not tolerate waterlogging in winter. May need support, see staking (perennials). For more advice see aster cultivation
PruningCut stems close to the ground in late autumn
PropagationPropagate by division in spring. Lift and divide approximately every three years, replanting only vigorous young shoots
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs and snails on new growth, and to aphids and leaf and bud eelworms
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to Fusarium wilt, grey moulds and leaf spots. This cultivar has some resistance to powdery mildews