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Herbaceous Perennial

Aster 'Iolanthe's Spirit'
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

A tall, herbaceous perennial up to 1.5m in height, with narrow, mid-green leaves. Masses of purple, daisy-like flowers with yellow centres appear from early August through to September

Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.5–1 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Clay
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Alkaline, Neutral, Acid
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Purple Green
Autumn Purple Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
  • Full shade
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H6
Botanical details
Family
Asteraceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Columnar upright
Genus

Aster can be perennials, annuals or subshrubs, mostly with narrow leaves, and solitary or clustered, daisy-like flowers

Name status

Accepted

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in moderately fertile soil in full sun or partial shade. See aster cultivation for further advice

Propagation

Propagate by division

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Prairie planting
  • Cut flowers
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Wall side borders
Pruning

Cut back after flowering

Pests

May be susceptible to tarsonemid mite, slugs, snails, aphids, leaf and bud eelworms

Diseases

May be susceptible to wilts, leaf spot and grey moulds

Get involved

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