Aster alpinus

Aster alpinus, also known as alpine aster, is a small perennial native to mountainous regions of Europe. It quickly forms a ground cover on grassy vegetation, ideal for rock gardens. It hides its dark foliage under large, brightly coloured flower heads, which are white to blue-violet with a yellow centre. These last throughout the summer and even into autumn, provided that the sowing dates are spread out. Fully hardy and drought-tolerant, it will thrive in full sun in any well-drained soil, even limestone.

The alpine aster is a plant of the Asteraceae family, which enjoys the sunlight of dry gravelly meadows or the soil of open woodland, up to an altitude of 3000 m (9842 ft). This small herbaceous perennial forms a carpet of dark green leaves that does not exceed 25 cm (9.8 in) in height, spreading as a ground cover over at least 30 cm (11.8 in) in width. Its foliage consists of entire, thin, pubescent leaves. From June to September, erect and pubescent stems arise from these, bearing solitary, brightly coloured flower heads measuring 35 to 45 mm (1.4 to 1.8 in) in diameter in the upper part. The ligules on the circumference are white, blue, lilac or mauve depending on the plant, and always arranged in a collar around a centre consisting of yellow tubular flowers. The flowers are melliferous and nectariferous.

Alpine asters are perfect for rock gardens and borders, where they form remarkable colour carpets. The mix we offer brings the charm of mountain meadows to your garden. Sow it in well-drained soil and it will be sublime in autumn alongside ornamental grasses like Stipa tenuifolia, small miscanthus, briza or Mulhenbergia capillaris. It can also be planted above walls, combined with deltoid pinks.