About
A clump-forming herbaceous perennial, up to 1.6m high, with strong woody stems and lance-shaped green leaves. Clustered, daisy-like, rich violet flowerheads, with orange-brown discs, are borne in 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
AspectSouth-facing, North-facing, East-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height1.5-2.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesPrairie planting, City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, 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
PruningNo pruning required, except cutting stems close to the ground in late autumn
PropagationPropagate by division in spring; regular division helps to keep plants healthy and vigorous but is only necessary every few years
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, leaf spot, grey moulds, Verticillium wilt and powdery mildews