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Herbaceous Perennial

Symphyotrichum lateriflorum
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

calico aster

A clump-forming perennial with upright to arching, hairy stems with spreading branches and lance-shaped dark green leaves. Clusters of daisy-like white or pale lilac flowers, with yellow centres that turn pink once pollinated, are produced from late summer to mid autumn

Other common names
nail rod
old Virginia
see morewhite devils
wise weed
Synonyms
Aster lateriflorus
Aster diffusus
see moreAster vimineus Lam.
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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 White Purple Green
Autumn White Purple Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H7
Botanical 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

Correct

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How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in well-cultivated, fertile, moist but well drained soil in sun or partial shade

Propagation

Propagate by division in spring, replanting only vigorous young shoots

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

Cut stems close to the ground in late autumn

Pests

May be susceptible to tarsonemid mite, slugs, snails, aphids, leaf and bud eelworms

Diseases

May be susceptible to Fusarium wilt, powdery mildews, leaf spots and grey moulds

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