Symphyotrichum novi-belgii 'Ada Ballard'
Michaelmas daisy 'Ada Ballard'
An upright, clump-forming herbaceous perennial, to 90cm high, with lance-shaped leaves. In autumn, it bears double, violet-blue, daisy-like flowers with yellow centres, up to 7.5cm across, on slender, branched stems
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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
Spring | Green | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Summer | Green | |||
Autumn | Blue Purple Yellow | Green | ||
Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or East–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Asteraceae
- Native to the UK
- 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
Unresolved
How to grow
Cultivation
Thrives in fertile, moist but well drained soil in sun or partial shade. Plants will benefit from mulching in autumn, and division every few years to maintain vigour. Will not tolerate waterlogging in winter, and may need support, see staking (perennials). For more advice see aster cultivation
Propagation
Propagate by division in spring, replanting only vigorous young shoots
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Coastal
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Cut back in late autumn
Pests
May be susceptible to tarsonemid mite
Diseases
May be susceptible to Verticillium wilt, powdery mildews and grey moulds
Get involved
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