Overview
Symphyotrichum sericeum is a clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Symphyotrichum, part of the Asteraceae family, with deciduous foliage. Symphyotrichum sericeum grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include coastal, cottage and informal garden, gravel garden, prairie planting, wildlife gardens, cut flowers and flower borders and beds.
About
Symphyotrichum sericeum is a species of flowering plant in the family Asteraceae native to central North America. Commonly known as western silver aster, western silvery aster, and silky aster, it is a perennial, herbaceous plant that may reach 70 centimeters tall.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Symphyotrichum
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Symphyotrichum sericeum size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Prairie planting, Wildlife gardens, Cut flowers, Flower borders and beds
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Symphyotrichum sericeum
- Propagation
- Division in spring, Root softwood basal cuttings in spring
- Pest resistance
- Leaf and bud eelworms, Slugs, Snails
- Disease resistance
- Verticillium wilt, Powdery mildews, Grey moulds
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Symphyotrichum sericeum?
Symphyotrichum sericeum prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Symphyotrichum sericeum need?
Symphyotrichum sericeum is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to well-drained.
Is Symphyotrichum sericeum hardy in the UK?
Symphyotrichum sericeum has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Symphyotrichum sericeum?
Division in spring, Root softwood basal cuttings in spring.
More in the Symphyotrichum genus
- Symphyotrichum 'Pink Star'
- Symphyotrichum 'Prairie Purple'
- Symphyotrichum concolor
- Symphyotrichum cordifolium 'Avondale'
- Symphyotrichum ericoides 'Cinderella'
- Symphyotrichum ericoides 'Rosy Veil'
- Symphyotrichum falcatum var. commutatum
- Symphyotrichum laeve 'Arcturus'aster 'Arcturus'
