Symphyotrichum novi-belgii 'Lady in Blue'
Michaelmas daisy 'Lady in Blue'
A compact, bushy plant growing to about 30cm tall producing mounds of dark green foliage, and lavender-blue, semi-double flowerheads with golden-yellow centres from late summer into autumn
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 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 | Purple | Green | ||
Autumn | Purple | 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
- 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
Accepted
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. For more advice see aster cultivation
Propagation
Propagate by division in spring, replanting only vigorous young shoots
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Patio and container plants
- City and courtyard gardens
- Coastal
- Flower borders and beds
- Cut flowers
Pruning
Cut back in late autumn
Pests
May be susceptible to slugs and snails on new growth, and to aphids, leaf and bud eelworms and tarsonemid mite
Diseases
May be susceptible to Fusarium wilt, powdery mildews, grey moulds and leaf spots
Get involved
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