Symphyotrichum novae-angliae 'Mrs S.T. Wright'
New England aster 'Mrs S.T. Wright'
A clump-forming perennial, to 1.5m tall, with erect stems carrying lance-shaped leaves and, in autumn, pale violet-blue flowers, over 5cm in diameter, with yellow centres aging to brown
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Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | Blue Purple | Green | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or North–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Asteraceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy
- 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
- Name status
Accepted
How to grow
Cultivation
Thrives 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
Propagation
Propagate by division in spring. Lift and divide approximately every three years, replanting only vigorous young shoots
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Prairie planting
- Flower borders and beds
- Cut flowers
Pruning
Cut stems close to the ground in late autumn
Pests
May be susceptible to slugs and snails on new growth, and to aphids and leaf and bud eelworms
Diseases
May be susceptible to Fusarium wilt, powdery mildews and grey moulds
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