About
An upright herbaceous perennial to 1.2m with small slender leaves and much branched, airy sprays of small, yellow-centred white flowers produced in mid 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, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCoastal, Wildlife gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Prairie planting
Care notes
CultivationGrow in well-drained, fertile soil in sun or partial shade; may need staking
PruningCut back in late autumn
PropagationPropagate by division in spring; division every third year to maintain vigour
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceAsters may suffer Verticillium wilt, powdery mildews and grey moulds