About
A tall, clump-forming, herbaceous perennial to about 1.5m with hairy, dark green leaves and stout, almost woody, stems. Sprays of yellow-centred, lilac daisies up to 5cm across open from late summer to mid-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
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, Coastal, Gravel garden, Prairie planting, Wildlife gardens
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 aphids, leaf and bud eelworm, slugs and snails
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to Fusarium wilt, grey moulds and leaf spot. Generally resistant to powdery mildews