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Herbaceous Perennial

Aster alpinus

blue alpine daisy

Spreading, clump-forming perennial to 25cm in height, with narrow mid-green leaves, and daisy-like, violet flowerheads to 5cm across, with a dark yellow centre, produced on upright stems, in early and midsummer

Other common names
alpine aster
rock aster

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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Purple Green
Autumn Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

West–facing or East–facing or South–facing

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

Aster can be perennials, annuals or subshrubs, mostly with narrow leaves, and solitary or clustered, daisy-like flowers

Name status

Correct

Plant range
Alps, Pyrenees

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in moderately fertile, well-drained soil in an open sunny position. See aster cultivation

Propagation

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

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Rock garden
  • Coastal
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Underplanting of roses and shrubs
Pruning

Deadhead spent flowers to tidy, cut back stem close to the ground in late autumn

Pests

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

Diseases

Asters may be susceptible to Verticillium wilt, Powdery mildews and grey moulds

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