About
A cultivar of the genus Symphyotrichum in the Asteraceae, Symphyotrichum 'Pink Star' is distinguished by its late-season bloom, producing flowers from August to October. It belongs to a group of herbaceous annual and perennial plants formerly included in the genus Aster. Plants in this genus often show seasonal changes in leaf form and can vary in size and flower display with growing conditions. Expect autumn flowering to be the primary ornamental feature.
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 'Pink Star' sits within the genus Symphyotrichum, a group of more than a hundred species and naturally occurring hybrids in the Asteraceae. Members of this genus were historically classified under Aster and are chiefly known for their herbaceous habits; many species and hybrids are valued for late-summer and autumn flower displays. Individual plants within the genus can differ notably in leaf shape and overall form as the season progresses. Treat Symphyotrichum 'Pink Star' as a late-season herbaceous subject: its main season of interest is the flowering window from August to October. Plants in this genus are genetically and ecologically variable, so expect differences in size and head development depending on site and care. Where a longer display is wanted, allow the flowers to emerge without excessive early-season disturbance so the August–October blooms are uninterrupted. Use Symphyotrichum 'Pink Star' where autumn colour is required — mixed herbaceous borders, late-season drifts or planted with perennials and grasses that carry interest into autumn. Its timing complements plants that finish earlier in the summer. Observe the plant through its flowering months to judge pruning and spacing for subsequent seasons; the August–October display defines its contribution to the border.
More in the Symphyotrichum genus
- 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'
- Symphyotrichum 'Bridal Veil'