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Herbaceous Perennial

Symphyotrichum laeve 'Calliope'
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

aster 'Calliope'

A tall perennial with narrow, purple-tinted leaves and dark stems bearing branching sprays of light purple-blue flowers in autumn

Synonyms
Aster 'Climax' misapplied
Aster laevis 'Calliope'
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Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring
Summer Purple Green Purple
Autumn Purple Purple Green Purple
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

West–facing or East–facing or South–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H6
Botanical details
Family
Asteraceae
Native to GB / Ireland
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

Grow in well-cultivated, fertile, moist but well drained soil in sun or partial shade; may need staking - see staking perennials

Propagation

Propagate by division in early pring; divide every third year to maintain vigour

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Coastal
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Gravel garden
  • Prairie planting
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Cut flowers
Pruning

Cut back in late autumn

Pests

May be susceptible to tarsonemid mite

Diseases

Asters may suffer Verticillium wilt, powdery mildews and grey moulds

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