Symphyotrichum 'Little Carlow' (_cordifolium_ hybrid)

RHS Plant Profile
aster 'Little Carlow'

Synonyms

Aster cordifolius 'Little Carlow'
Aster 'Little Carlow'
Aster 'Little Carlow' (_cordifolius_ hybrid)

Award of Garden MeritPlants for pollinators
Herbaceous Perennial

A robust, clump-forming perennial, to around 1-1.2m tall, with mid-green, heart-shaped, toothed foliage. Masses of violet-blue, yellow-centred, daisy-like flowers to 2cm across, are produced in sprays from early autumn

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

1-1.5 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
1-1.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained or Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
West–facing or South–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H7

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Asteraceae
Native to GB/Ireland
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

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun or light shade. Stake tall plants in early spring, see staking perennials. See aster cultivation for further advice

Propagation

Propagate by division in spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Coastal
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Prairie planting
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Gravel garden
  • Cut flowers
  • Flower borders and beds

Pruning

Cut down flowered stems to ground level once flowering has finished or leave the seedheads and stems in place for wildlife and winter interest

Pests

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

Diseases

May be susceptible to Verticillium wilt, powdery mildews and grey moulds