About
Symphyotrichum obl. 'Raydon's Favourite' is a named cultivar in the genus Symphyotrichum (family Asteraceae) notable for its late-summer to autumn flowering. It produces abundant composite flower heads over a concentrated season from August to October. Plants are herbaceous perennials, typically forming multi-stemmed clumps. The cultivar sits within a group formerly treated under the old Aster name.
About the genus
Symphyotrichum is a genus of over 100 species and naturally occurring hybrids of herbaceous annual and perennial plants in the composite family, Asteraceae, most which were formerly treated within the genus Aster. The majority are endemic to North America, but several also occur in the West Indies, Central and South America, as well as one species in eastern Eurasia. Several species have been introduced to Europe as garden specimens, most notably New England aster and New York aster.
Wikipedia contributors, "Symphyotrichum", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Symphyotrichum
In the garden
Symphyotrichum obl. 'Raydon's Favourite' belongs to the genus Symphyotrichum in the Asteraceae and is one of the garden cultivars derived from that group. Species in this genus were formerly included in Aster and most are native to North America; several have been grown in Europe as garden subjects. This cultivar provides a focused late-season display, flowering from August to October. For planting, choose a spot that receives good daylight for most of the day and a soil that drains reasonably well; many Symphyotrichum perform best where roots are not waterlogged. Incorporate some organic matter at planting to help establish young plants. Space plants so air can circulate between clumps to reduce foliage dampness as the season progresses. Monitor moisture during dry spells but avoid prolonged waterlogging. Maintenance is straightforward: cut back stems after flowering to tidy the clump and, if needed, divide congested plants in spring to rejuvenate flowering. The concentrated flowering window from August to October makes this cultivar useful where late-season blooms are required to extend border interest into autumn, and it complements summer-flowering perennials that finish earlier in the year.
More in the Symphyotrichum genus
- Symphyotrichum 'Pink Star'
- Symphyotrichum 'Prairie Purple'
- Symphyotrichum laeve 'Arcturus'aster 'Arcturus'
- Symphyotrichum lat. 'Lady in Black'
- Symphyotrichum n - a 'Barr's Purple'
- Symphyotrichum n. - a. ' Herbschnee'
- Symphyotrichum novi-belgii 'Dasgra'New York Aster
- Symphyotrichum 'Bee Lee Elliott'