Symphyotrichum ericoides

heath aster
A bushy, clump-forming perennial to 1m with slender, branching stems and small, lance-shaped, mid-green leaves. Produces large, lax, conical sprays of small, white, daisy flowers with yellow centres from late summer to late autumn
Other common names
dog fennelfrost blow
see morefrost weed
many-flowered starwort
mare's tail
scrub brush
steel weed
white rosemary
Synonyms
Aster multiflorusAster ericoides
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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 | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|
Summer | ||||
Autumn | ||||
Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical 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
Unresolved
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in moderately fertile, well-drained soil in an open, sunny position; may need staking. See aster cultivation
Propagation
Propagate by division in spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Coastal
- Prairie planting
- Gravel garden
- Wildlife gardens
- Cut flowers
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Cut back to ground level in late autumn
Pests
May be susceptible to leaf and bud eelworms, slugs and snails
Diseases
May be susceptible to Verticillium wilt, Powdery mildews and grey moulds
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