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Herbaceous Perennial

Symphyotrichum pilosum var. pringlei
  • RHS AGM
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

white heath aster

An upright herbaceous perennial to 1.2m with small slender leaves and much branched, airy sprays of small, yellow-centred white flowers produced in mid autumn

Synonyms
Aster pringlei
Aster pilosus var. demotus
see moreAster tradescantii misapplied
Aster pilosus var. pringlei
Aster demotus subsp. pilosus
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Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Green
Autumn White Yellow Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

South–facing or North–facing or West–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H7
Botanical details
Family
Asteraceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy
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

Correct

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in well-drained, fertile soil in sun or partial shade; may need staking

Propagation

Propagate by division in spring; division every third year to maintain vigour

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Coastal
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Gravel garden
  • Prairie planting
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Cut flowers
Pruning

Cut back in late autumn

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Asters may suffer Verticillium wilt, powdery mildews and grey moulds

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