Overview
Symphyotrichum novi-belgii 'The Rector' is a clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Symphyotrichum, part of the Asteraceae family, with deciduous foliage. Symphyotrichum novi-belgii 'The Rector' grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include coastal, cottage and informal garden, gravel garden, prairie planting, wildlife gardens, cut flowers and flower borders and beds.
About
Symphyotrichum novi-belgii 'The Rector' is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial belonging to the genus Symphyotrichum, which includes around 90 species known for their daisy-like flower heads. This cultivar features deciduous foliage and thrives in full sun or partial shade, preferring fertile, moist but well-drained soils of various types and pH levels. Hardy to UK zone H7, it is suitable for a range of garden settings including coastal, cottage, and wildlife gardens. 'The Rector' flowers in summer and autumn, adding seasonal interest to flower borders and beds.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Symphyotrichum
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Symphyotrichum novi-belgii 'The Rector' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Prairie planting, Wildlife gardens, Cut flowers, Flower borders and beds
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Symphyotrichum novi-belgii 'The Rector'
- Propagation
- Division in spring, Root softwood basal cuttings in spring
- Pest resistance
- Leaf and bud eelworms, Slugs, Snails
- Disease resistance
- Verticillium wilt, Powdery mildews, Grey moulds
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Symphyotrichum novi-belgii 'The Rector'?
Symphyotrichum novi-belgii 'The Rector' prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Symphyotrichum novi-belgii 'The Rector' need?
Symphyotrichum novi-belgii 'The Rector' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to well-drained.
Is Symphyotrichum novi-belgii 'The Rector' hardy in the UK?
Symphyotrichum novi-belgii 'The Rector' has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Symphyotrichum novi-belgii 'The Rector'?
Division in spring, Root softwood basal cuttings in spring.
More in the Symphyotrichum genus
- Symphyotrichum 'Pink Star'
- Symphyotrichum 'Prairie Purple'
- Symphyotrichum concolor
- Symphyotrichum cordifolium 'Avondale'
- Symphyotrichum ericoides 'Cinderella'
- Symphyotrichum ericoides 'Rosy Veil'
- Symphyotrichum falcatum var. commutatum
- Symphyotrichum laeve 'Arcturus'aster 'Arcturus'
