About
A lax-growing herbaceous perennial with woody, weak growth making clumps of foliage up to 1m in height, with narrow, oblong leaves, aromatic when crushed. From September to October, the plant is covered with sprays of pale purple daisy-like flowers; resists mildew well.
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
Soil typeSand, Loam, Chalk
Soil pHAlkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectWest-facing, South-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy, Clump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Wildlife gardens, Prairie planting, Coastal
Native toE to NC US
FragranceFoliage
Care notes
CultivationGrows best in neutral to alkaline soil in full sun. Does not do well in heavy wet soils during winter, but does tolerate drought once established
PruningCut down to ground level at the end of the year
PropagationPropagate by division in early spring, or by softwood cuttings
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to Verticillium wilt