Hardy's Cottage Garden Plants
Symphyotrichum 'Little Carlow' (_cordifolium_ hybrid)
Symphyotrichum 'Little Carlow' (_cordifolium_ hybrid)
In propagation
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Plants are dispatched in growing condition and may not be in full flower. If too tall to pack safely, we may cut them back — this helps them establish more quickly. Read our Mail Order FAQs.
Clouds of small, vivid violet-blue daisies with bright yellow centres are carried on stout stems above narrow, mid-green foliage. ‘Little Carlow’ is widely admired not only for the sheer quantity of flowers it produces, but also for the striking intensity of those blue flowerheads — a colour that bees and butterflies find quite irresistible as the season turns.
The blooms really sing out of an autumn border, combining beautifully with yellows such as Rudbeckia, echoing the warm tones of their own centres. For a more naturalistic effect, plant in gentle drifts with grasses and other daisies such as Echinacea and Helenium for a prairie-style planting that pollinators will love. After flowering, stems can be cut back or left until spring for additional winter interest.
This easy-to-grow perennial thrives in fairly fertile, moisture-retentive soil in part shade, but will tolerate full sun with a little less moisture — avoid very free-draining conditions.
Height × Spread: 100cm × 60cm
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Care Guide:
Divide clumps every 3–4 years to maintain vigour — any time after flowering but spring is preferred. Cut back stems after flowering in autumn. Taller selections may require staking. Symphyotrichum novi-belgii cultivars benefit from good air circulation to help prevent mildew.
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Good to Know
Pollinator-friendly — the flowers attract bees and other pollinators; the central disc turns from yellow to brown once pollinated.
Vigorous and long-lived; clumps bulk up well over time.
Excellent as a cut -