About
A clump-forming perennial about 35cm tall, with lance-shaped, hairy green leaves and upright stems producing clusters of double, bright purple daisy-like flowers with yellow centres from late summer through until the 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
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing, North-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Coastal
Care notes
CultivationGrow in rich, fertile, moisture-retentive soil, in full sun if the soil remains moist throughout the growing season, or in partial shade; mulch every year after cutting down in late autumn
PruningCut stems close to the ground in late autumn
PropagationPropagate by division in spring
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to eelworm, aphids, slugs, and snails
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to Verticillium wilt and grey moulds; this cultivar is said to be mildew-resistant