Symphyotrichum novae-angliae 'Red Cloud'
A tall, vigorous perennial, up to 2m high, with upright stems bearing lance-shaped, roughly hairy green leaves. Clusters of daisy-like, deep reddish pink flowers, with fine, narrow petals and yellow-brown central discs, are produced in early autumn
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Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
Spring | Green | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Summer | Green | |||
Autumn | Red Pink | Green | ||
Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical 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
Accepted
How to grow
Cultivation
Thrives in fertile, moist but well drained, preferably neutral to alkaline soil in sun or partial shade. Plants will benefit from mulching in autumn, and will not tolerate waterlogging in winter. May need support, see staking (perennials). For more advice see aster cultivation
Propagation
Propagate by division in spring. Lift and divide approximately every three years, replanting only vigorous young shoots
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Prairie planting
- Wildlife gardens
- Coastal
- Gravel garden
- Cut flowers
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Cut stems close to the ground in late autumn
Pests
May be susceptible to slugs and snails on new growth, and to aphids and leaf and bud eelworms
Diseases
May be susceptible to Fusarium wilt, powdery mildews, grey moulds and leaf spots
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