About
A tall, vigorous perennial to 1m in height with hairy, lance-shaped green leaves from spring to autumn and ruby-red daisy-like flowers with yellow centres from late summer to 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
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread1-1.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens, Coastal, Prairie planting
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 back in late autumn. This cultivar can be cut or pinched back in early summer to encourage a bushier, compact form and later flowers
PropagationPropagate by division in spring; divide every third year to maintain vigour
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, powdery mildews and grey moulds