Aster

Aster

Michaelmas daisy

• Position: full sun
• Soil: well-drained soil
• Flowering period: August to October.
• Foliage: deciduous
• Hardiness: fully

Varieties

Aster x frikartii ‘Mönch’

Perennial aster varieties are available in a wide range of colours. Aster  x frikartii ‘Monch’ is indispensable for its long-flowering season. This perennial bears lavender-blue flowers which appear from August to October. It’s a bushy plant, growing up to 90cm tall.

Aster novi-belgii ‘Jenny’

Aster novi-belgii ‘Jenny’ is a compact, low-growing aster with lovely magenta red flowers and dark green leaves. Expect a height of 30cm and a spread of 30cm. Perfect for small gardens.

Aster ageratoides ‘Star Shine’

Other forms with good colour include Aster ageratoides ‘Star Shine’ (white flowers) and Aster ageratoides ‘Asran’ (lilac flowers).

Aster dumosus ‘Jenny’                    Aster ageratoides ‘Star Shine’

Pruning

When do you prune asters (Michaelmas daisies). Cut the flowered stems down to ground level after flowering.

How to grow asters

Asters like well-drained soil and do best if planted in full sun but will also tolerate light shade.

Plant combination

Combine autumn asters with late summer perennials such as Echinacea, Japanese anemones, Gaura, Perovskia.

Perovskia