Symphyotrichum × salignum
common Michaelmas daisy
A tall, bushy perennial, to around 1.2m high, with rough, narrow, lance-shaped green leaves. Clusters of small, daisy-like flowers to 2cm across, with white petals and yellow centres, are borne on branching stems in late summer and autumn
Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Alkaline, Neutral, AcidColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | White Yellow | Green | ||
| Autumn | White Yellow | Green | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
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
Correct
- Plant range
- NC USA
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in a sunny spot in fertile, moisture-retentive soil; add mulch after cutting back in autumn. Divide every third year to retain vigour and flower quality. Stake tall plants in early spring, see staking perennials. See aster cultivation for further advice
Propagation
Propagate by seed or by division in spring, replanting only vigorous young shoots
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Prairie planting
- Wildflower meadow
- Wildlife gardens
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Cut stems close to the ground in late autumn
Pests
May be susceptible to leaf and bud eelworm, aphids, slugs and snails
Diseases
May be susceptible to Fusarium wilt, Powdery mildews, leaf spots and grey moulds
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.