Aster ageratoides

This is a tough plant from alpine regions of the Himalayas and east Asia. Best in full-sun on any free-draining soil, it will also cope with some light shade and is drought tolerant for short periods once established.

Hardy to -10C, Aster ageratoides or ’Balsam Aster’ is one of the latest Asters to bloom, providing an important source of nectar for pollinators late in the season. The seeds also provide food for birds in winter.

The  flowers which emerge from late autumn to early winter depending on the weather, consist of violet ray florets which fade to lavender as they age. The yellow centres darken towards red over time. The foliage is narrow, dark green and toothed on wiry, branched stems.

Ideal for growing in large containers as well as the front to middle of beds, the stems make great cut flowers.

Syn. Aster trinervius, Aster trinervius subsp. ageratoides

Height x Spread: 90cm x 50cm