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Herbaceous Perennial

Symphyotrichum oblongifolium
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

aromatic aster

A lax-growing herbaceous perennial with woody, weak growth making clumps of foliage up to 1m in height, with narrow, oblong leaves, aromatic when crushed. From September to October, the plant is covered with sprays of pale purple daisy-like flowers; resists mildew well

Other common names
oblong-leaved aster
Synonyms
Aster oblongifolius
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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.5–1 metres
Growing conditions
Sand
Loam
Chalk
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Green
Autumn Purple Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

West–facing or South–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H7
Botanical details
Family
Asteraceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy, 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
E to NC US

How to grow

Cultivation

Grows best in neutral to alkaline soil in full sun. Does not do well in heavy wet soils during winter, but does tolerate drought once established

Propagation

Propagate by division in early spring, or by softwood cuttings

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

Cut down to ground level at the end of the year

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

May be susceptible to Verticillium wilt

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