Symphyotrichum novi-belgii 'Patricia Ballard' (d)
Michaelmas daisy 'Patricia Ballard'
A sturdy, clump-forming deciduous perennial to 90cm tall, with narrow, lance-shaped green leaves and masses of daisy-like, semi-double to double purple-pink flowers with yellow centres in late summer to autumn
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 | Purple Pink | Green | ||
| Autumn | Purple Pink | Green | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical 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 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
- Cottage and informal garden
- City and courtyard gardens
- Coastal
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Cut stems close to the ground in late autumn
Pests
May be susceptible to aphids, leaf and bud eelworms, slugs, snails and tarsonemid mite
Diseases
May be susceptible to Fusarium wilt, grey moulds, leaf spot but good resistance to powdery mildews
Symphyotrichum novi-belgii 'Patricia Ballard' (d)
Michaelmas daisy 'Patricia Ballard'
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