About
Clump-forming herbaceous perennial to 1.2m tall, with small, heart-shaped mid-green leaves and wiry arching sprays producing a hazy mass of small, single, pale lilac-blue flowers, 1.5cm wide, with light greenish-yellow central disc florets in early 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, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCoastal, Cottage and informal garden, Prairie planting, Gravel garden, Wildlife gardens
Care notes
CultivationGrow in moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun or light shade. Stake tall plants in early spring, see staking perennials. See aster cultivation for further advice
PruningCut back over the winter months
PropagationPropagate by division in spring; division every third year to maintain vigour
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to verticillium wilt, Powdery mildews and grey moulds