Symphyotrichum laeve 'Calliope'
aster 'Calliope'
A tall perennial with narrow, purple-tinted leaves and dark stems bearing branching sprays of light purple-blue flowers in autumn
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 | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|
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
H6Botanical 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
Get involved
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