Symphyotrichum (Aster) ‘Vasterival’
Some might consider the term “generous” a euphemism for invasive…but I have my own take on certain vigorous spreaders and self sowers. I say, sometimes a plant with ground covering capabilities is a good thing…it won’t be long before you have a nice swath of color plus the plant’s vigor keeps weeds at bay. Here are 5 Asters that command attention and are easy peasy.
( A little botany note: The taxonomists have reclassified Aster into several distinct genera in recent years. For example, the genus Aster encompasses species that are specific to Eastern Asia, while the term Symphyotricum includes Asters native to N. America and parts of Europe.)
One plant that really draws comments in our September garden is Symphyotrichum x ‘Vasterival’, a hybrid of unknown origins. 3/4″ daisies in a sweet shade of pink/lavender are born in loose sprays on tall dark tinted stems. You could pinch plants back in early July to control height, or let them do their thing, and have stems that can reach 5′. ‘Vasterival’ is a perfect plant for that “garden gone wild” look. Plants spread by stoloniferous roots.
Symphyotrichum x ‘Mary’s White’
Another Symphyotrichum selection that has proven quite vigorous is ‘Mary’s White’, which was selected by British nurserywoman Beth Chatto and named for her daughter. 1″ white daisies are carried on sturdy 3-4′ stems during September into early October.
Aster ageratoides ‘Ezo Muraskai’
The Asian Aster ageratoides ‘Ezo Murasaki’ is the boss in a bed where we once had plants with meek dispositions. We let ‘Ezo Murasaki’ fulfill its ground covering mission, and moved its less vigorous neighbors. Yellow centered violet 1″ daisies are born in clusters on 18″ stems from late September into November.
Symphyotrichum laeve ‘Bluebird’
Some Asters self sow nicely. Symphyotrichum laeve ‘Bluebird’, commonly called Smooth Aster, is one we allow to seed about and establish informally in beds where a little autumn color will be welcomed. Quarter sized flowers have lavender blue petals with yellow centers open up in stages in loose sprays. ‘Bluebird’ grows 3-4′ tall, but bows gracefully around its neighbors.
Symphyotrichum ericoides with Elscholtzia and Kolwitzia
Another promiscuous seeder is the Calico Aster Symphyotrichum ericoides. Height can vary, but most often plants are in the 18-24″ range. Don’t you think this Aster picked the best spot to establish itself, here between the Chinese Mint Shrub, Elscholtzia stantonii alba, on the left, and the golden leaved Kolwitzia on the right?
Thank you for your aster/symphyotrichum picks, all new to me with the exception of ‘Bluebird.’
One I never see in the trade that I esteem in my own garden is ‘Monte Cassino’ (have no idea of where it is currently assigned, aster or other). had to divide it to get the numbers I want.
A baby’s breath-like cloud of small white flowers, opening about now, which last for weeks, on a plant about 30″ tall, with needle-like leaves that usually stands up well on its own stems.
~ Abigail Higgins
~ Abigail Higgins
My pleasure. I have seen photos of Monte Casino and I believe it is a form of S. ericoides. Heard it is used in the cut flower trade.
Smooth Aster is a keeper in my backyard garden. It has just broken out into numerous clusters of medium purple blossoms. There are new England asters a few feet away, and they are still at the bud stage, though many are deep purple now. Hiding in their shade is white wood aster, which is in bloom.