A strong growing New York aster that rarely succumbs to mildew, but does produce a dazzling display of bright mauve-pink daisies (which can be near-singles to semi-doubles) in late summer and autumn. The flowers are attractive to bees and the resulting seedheads can attract birds, so this is a gem for wildlife-friendly schemes. It will be equally at home in cottage garden borders, or more naturalistic planting schemes where it will associate well with ornamental grasses.
How to care for Symphyotrichum novi-belgii Patricia Ballard:
Stake with bamboo canes or brushwood in early spring. Water regularly during dry spells and deadhead to prolong flowering. After flowering cut the flowered stems to the ground and apply a generous mulch of well-rotted garden compost or horse manure around the base of the plant.
Flowering period:
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Eventual height:
0.9m
Eventual spread:
0.45m
Position:
Full sun / light shade
Rate of growth:
Fast-growing
Soil:
Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil
-
This perennial dies back to below ground level each year in autumn, then fresh new growth appears again in spring.