Symphyotrichum ericoides 'Erlkönig'
heath aster 'Erlkönig'
A bushy, clump-forming perennial to 1m high with slender, branching stems and small, lance-shaped, dark green leaves. Small, pale lilac daisy-like flowers are produced all along the upper stems from late summer into autumn
Buy this plant
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Purple | Green | ||
| Autumn | Purple | Green | ||
| 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
- 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 moderately fertile, well-drained soil in open sunny position. Divide every three to five years to retain vigour and flower quality. May require 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
- Coastal
- Gravel garden
- Prairie planting
- Flower borders and beds
- Cut flowers
Pruning
Cut stems close to the ground in late autumn
Pests
May be susceptible to leaf and bud eelworm, aphids, slugs and snails
Diseases
May be susceptible to Fusarium wilt, powdery mildews, leaf spots and grey moulds
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.