About
This erect, clump-forming herbaceous perennial to 1.3m tall, with narrow, dark green leaves and semi-double pale pink flowers with bright yellow centres ageing to dark red.
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, East-facing, West-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 usesCottage and informal garden, Coastal, Wildlife gardens, Gravel garden, Prairie planting
Care notes
CultivationThrives in fertile, moist but well drained, preferably neutral to alkaline soil in sun or partial shade. Plants will benefit from mulching in autumn, and will not tolerate waterlogging in winter. May need support, see staking (perennials). For more advice see aster cultivation
PruningCut back in late autumn
PropagationPropagate by division in spring; division every third year to maintain vigour
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs and snails on new growth, and to aphids and leaf and bud eelworms
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to Fusarium wilt, grey moulds, powdery mildews and leaf spots