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Herbaceous Perennial

Symphyotrichum cordifolium 'Chieftain'
  • RHS AGM

blue wood 'Chieftain'

'Chieftain' is an erect herbaceous perennial to 1.3m tall, with dark green, ovate leaves and sprays of single flowers 15mm wide, with light mauve-blue ray florets and yellow disks ageing to dull red

Synonyms
Aster cordifolius 'Chieftain'
© RHS
© RHS
© RHS
© RHS
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Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Blue Green
Autumn Blue Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

South–facing or East–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H7
Botanical details
Family
Asteraceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
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

Accepted

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How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun or light shade. Stake plants in early spring. See aster cultivation

Propagation

Propagate by division in spring or root softwood basal cuttings in spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Coastal
  • Prairie planting
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

Cut stems close to the ground in late autumn

Pests

May be susceptible to leaf and bud eelworms, slugs and snails

Diseases

Asters may suffer Verticillium wilt, Powdery mildews and grey moulds

Get involved

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