Symphyotrichum novi-belgii 'Marie Ballard'
Michaelmas daisy 'Marie Ballard'
'Marie Ballard' is a clump-forming perennial with sprays of fully double, light violet-blue flowerheads in late summer and autumn
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
Spring | Green | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Summer | Blue | Green | ||
Autumn | Blue | Green | ||
Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or East–facing or North–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical 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
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in well-cultivated, fertile, moist soil in sun or partial shade; may need staking
Propagation
Propagate by division in spring; division every third year to maintain vigour
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Cut flowers
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Cut back in late autumn
Pests
May be susceptible to tarsonemid mite
Diseases
May be susceptible to Verticillium wilt, powdery mildews and grey moulds
Get involved
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