About

From mid-summer into early autumn produces sprays of daisy flowers with yellow centres and pale purple or pink petals, though there are forms with no petals. Found all around the coast of the British Isles, this native aster is a biennial or short-lived perennial with narrowly oval, rather fleshy leaves on upright stems up to 1m tall. Fluffy, silvery seedheads follow in autumn. A good late nectar source for butterflies.

About the genus

Tripolium is a genus of plants encompassing species that may be herbaceous, shrubby, or woody. They are grown for their ornamental flowers, foliage, or fruit, and vary in hardiness and cultural requirements

Growing conditions

SunlightFull sun
Soil typeClay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed
UK hardinessH5

Plant details

Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCoastal, Cottage and informal garden

Care notes

CultivationA maritime plant mostly found on saltmarshes and tidal estuaries, occasionally on coastal cliffs and rocks. Likes a sunny, open position; tolerates salty wind and even occasional flooding
PruningNo pruning required. Can be cut down in late autumn or early spring
PropagationPropagate by seed or by division
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free