Symphyotrichum novi-belgii
confused Michaelmas daisy
A clump-forming, deciduous herbaceous perennial with narrow, lance-shaped mid-green to purple foliage and masses of daisy-like flowers in shades of purple, lavender-purple or white with yellow centres, which generally appear in the autumn. Heights can vary between 30cm and 180cm with many cultivars having a good resistance to powdery mildews
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 Purple | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green Purple | |||
| Autumn | Blue Purple | Green Purple | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Asteraceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy, Clump forming
- 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
Correct
How to grow
Cultivation
Thrives in fertile, moist but well drained soil in sun or partial shade. Plants will benefit from mulching in autumn, and division every few years to maintain vigour. Will not tolerate waterlogging in winter, and may need support, see staking (perennials). For more advice see aster cultivation
Propagation
Propagate by division in spring, replanting only vigorous young shoots
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Patio and container plants
- Prairie planting
- Wildlife gardens
- Cut flowers
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Cut stems close to the ground in late autumn
Pests
May be susceptible to aphids, leaf and bud eelworms, slugs, snails and tarsonemid mite
Diseases
May be susceptible to Fusarium wilt, grey moulds, leaf spot but good resistance to powdery mildews
Get involved
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