About
This strong, compact perennial to 1m in height, with mid-green, narrow leaves and tiny pale mauve flowers to 1cm across with creamy discs, in arching, branched sprays, in 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
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Coastal, Wildlife gardens, Gravel garden, Prairie planting
Care notes
CultivationGrow in moderately fertile, well-drained soil in open sunny position; may need staking
PruningCut back in late autumn
PropagationPropagate by division in spring
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to verticillium wilt, powdery mildews and grey moulds