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Herbaceous PerennialSynonym

Aster 'Glow in the Dark'
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

aster 'Glow in the Dark'

A tall perennial, to around 1.2m high, with dark near-black stems and narrow, purple-tinted leaves. Branching sprays of lilac-pink daisy-like flowers are produced in autumn

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

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H6
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

Accepted

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in well-cultivated, fertile, moist but well drained soil in sun or partial shade. Divide every three to five years to retain vigour and flower quality. May need support - see staking perennials

Propagation

Propagate by division in spring, replanting only vigorous young shoots

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Cut flowers
  • 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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