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Herbaceous Perennial

Symphyotrichum ericoides
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

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 fennel
frost blow
see morefrost weed
many-flowered starwort
mare's tail
scrub brush
steel weed
white rosemary
Synonyms
Aster multiflorus
Aster ericoides
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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H7
Botanical 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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