Symphyotrichum novae-angliae 'Purple Dome'
New England aster 'Purple Dome'
A clump forming deciduous herbaceous perennial with stems that reach 60cm (2ft) high and as much across. In late summer to autumn, deep purple, semi-double daisies are produced, with a contrasting yellow centre. The flowers are extremely useful late season food source in the wildlife garden for butterflies and other pollinators. The late blooming season also makes the plant a useful addition to extend the season of interest in the garden border
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drained, Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Purple | Green | ||
| Autumn | Purple | Green | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Asteraceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy, 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
Not established
How to grow
Cultivation
Thrives in fertile, moist but well drained, preferably neutral to alkaline soil in sun or partial shade. Plants will benefit from mulching in autumn, and will not tolerate waterlogging in winter. May need support, see staking (perennials). For more advice see aster cultivation
Propagation
Propagate by division in spring; divide every third year to maintain vigour
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Patio and container plants
- Wildlife gardens
- Cut flowers
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Cut back old, flowered stems 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 and grey moulds
Get involved
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