About
A tall, bushy perennial, to around 1.2m high, with rough, narrow, lance-shaped green leaves. Clusters of small, daisy-like flowers to 2cm across, with white petals and yellow centres, are borne on branching stems in late summer and 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 typeClay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAlkaline, Neutral, Acid
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Prairie planting, Wildflower meadow, Wildlife gardens
Native toNC USA
Care notes
CultivationGrow in a sunny spot in fertile, moisture-retentive soil; add mulch after cutting back in autumn. Divide every third year to retain vigour and flower quality. Stake tall plants in early spring, see staking perennials. See aster cultivation for further advice
PruningCut stems close to the ground in late autumn
PropagationPropagate by seed or by division in spring, replanting only vigorous young shoots
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to leaf and bud eelworm, aphids, slugs and snails
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to Fusarium wilt, Powdery mildews, leaf spots and grey moulds