Symphyotrichum novi-belgii Tonga ('Dasfour') (Island Series)
Michaelmas daisy [Tonga]
A compact, clump forming perennial with mid-green leaves and clusters of double, bright purple daisy-like flowers with a yellow centre appearing from summer until the autumn.
Synonyms
Symphyotrichum novi-belgii 'Dasfour'Aster 'Dasfour'
see moreAster novi-belgii 'Tonga'
Aster 'Tonga'
Aster 'Dwarf Tonga'
Aster Tonga
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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Purple Yellow | Green | ||
| Autumn | Purple Yellow | Green | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Asteraceae
- Native to the UK
- 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
Trade
How to grow
Cultivation
Thrives in fertile, moist but well drained soil in sun or partial shade. Plants will benefit from mulching in autumn, and division every few years to maintain vigour. Will not tolerate waterlogging in winter. For more advice see aster cultivation
Propagation
Propagate by division in spring. Sow seed in containers in a cold frame in spring or autumn
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Low Maintenance
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
No pruning required. Deadhead regularly. Cut back to the ground in late autumn
Pests
May be susceptible to aphids, eelworms (leaf and bud), Michalmas daisy mite, slugs and snails
Diseases
May be susceptible to Fusarium wilt, grey mould, leaf spot and powdery mildew
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