Symphyotrichum 'Primrose Path'

RHS Plant Profile
aster 'Primrose Path'
aster 'Primrose Path' RHS

Synonyms

Aster 'Primrose Path'

Plants for pollinators
Herbaceous Perennial

A clump-forming perennial to about 1.5m in height, with a goblet-shaped habit and narrow, lance-shaped green foliage which turns to burgundy-red in the autumn. Masses of pale lilac-purple daisy-like flowers with a burgundy-red centre appear from late summer to autumn

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.5-1 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
0.5-1 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H6

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

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 fertile, moisture-retentive soil, in full sun or partial shade; mulch every year after cutting down in late autumn. Divide every third year to retain vigour and flower quality. See aster cultivation for further advice

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 aphids, leaf and bud eelworms, slugs, snails and tarsonemid mite

Diseases

May be susceptible to Fusarium wilt, grey moulds, leaf spot and powdery mildews