Symphyotrichum cordifolium 'Chieftain'
blue wood aster 'Chieftain'
An erect herbaceous perennial to 1.3m tall, with dark green, ovate leaves and sprays of single flowers 15mm wide, with light mauve-blue ray florets and yellow disks ageing to dull red
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Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 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 | Blue | Green | ||
Autumn | Blue | Green | ||
Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or East–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
Grow in moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun or light shade. Stake plants in early spring. See aster cultivation
Propagation
Propagate by division in spring or root softwood basal cuttings in spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Wildlife gardens
- Coastal
- Prairie planting
- Gravel garden
- Flower borders and beds
- Cut flowers
Pruning
Cut stems close to the ground in late autumn
Pests
May be susceptible to leaf and bud eelworms, slugs and snails
Diseases
Asters may suffer Verticillium wilt, Powdery mildews and grey moulds
Get involved
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