The best varieties of asters for cut flower arrangements

The Aster novae-angliae 'Annabelle de Chazal' - Large autumn aster

The Aster novae angliae ‘Annabelle de Chazal – large autumn aster produces, from September to November, a multitude of daisies of pale to deep pink that contrast with a yellow centre. This variety of New England Aster offers excellent cut flowers that last well in a vase and whose woody stems are sturdy and do not require staking. This autumn Aster grows to a height of 1 metre when planted in full sun in rich, moist soil.

With its large size, this Aster is ideal for creating large bouquets in autumn and adding colour to your home or flat. It adds a rustic touch and pairs well with chrysanthemums, echinaceas, ornamental grasses, or with other tall autumn asters in different colours, such as the vivid purple of the Aster novae-angliae ‘Purple Dome’ or the bright white of the Aster novi-belgii ‘White Lady’.

The Aster novi-belgii 'Porzellan' - large autumn aster

Another excellent cut flower, the Aster novi-belgii ‘Porzellan’ – tall autumn aster is a very floriferous perennial, reaching 1 metre in height at maturity. Between August and October it produces a multitude of large, semi-double daisies, white-washed with a pale mauve-blue that are rarely seen. The flowers have a yellow centre and unfold against a backdrop of compact, lush foliage. It prefers fresh soils and can be planted in either full sun or partial shade. It’s a reliable garden favourite that is easy to grow.

In a cut flower arrangement, you can pair this Aster with roses and stems of Cotinus ‘Grace’ or euonymus with variegated foliage.

Aster amellus 'King George' - Christ's eye

The Aster amellus ‘King George’ – Eye of Christ is a perennial plant that grows to 60 cm tall and produces mauve flowers with a bright yellow centre from August to late September. Awarded by the Royal Horticultural Society for its ornamental qualities and garden performance, it bears sturdy stems that do not require staking. Undemanding, it adapts to any type of poor, calcareous soil, so long as it remains moist and establishes in full sun.

In a cut flower arrangement, pair this Aster with agastaches, shrubby sages and gauras.

The Aster ageratoides 'Harry Schmidt' - Dwarf autumn aster

Undemanding and resistant to powdery mildew, the Aster ageratoides ‘Harry Schmidt — dwarf autumn aster’ is a compact variety 40 cm tall. It is covered with small star-shaped flowers of pale lilac colour in September and October. The flowers have a small delicate amber centre. Very hardy, this aster prefers full sun and cool, well-drained soil.

Tuck it into a cut flower arrangement of roses, with light ornamental grasses such as the Stipa tenuifolia – Angel’s Hair ‘Pny Tails’, as well as with hardy geraniums. You can also combine it with other Aster ageratoides in different colours such as the variety ‘Ezo Murasaki’.

The Aster lateriflorus 'Chloe' - autumn aster

The Aster lateriflorus Chloe – Autumn aster is a perennial plant 1 metre high that produces a myriad of white flowers with a slightly purplish centre. Distinctive, it blooms in September and October and its green stems also display purplish hues. Very resistant to disease and frost, it is planted in rich, cool soil, in full sun or partial shade.

In a cut flower arrangement, offer it companions such as Dahlias, echinaceas in the same purplish tones, or Carillon campanulas.

Aster cordifolius 'Blütenregen' - Autumn aster

The Aster cordifolius ‘Blütenregen’ – autumn aster is covered with small star-shaped lavender-blue flowers from August until the frosts. With a delicate, airy habit, this plant climbs to a height of 90 cm and bears medium-green foliage. Plant it in full sun or partial shade, in fresh, rich soil.

In a bouquet of cut flowers, make the most of its airy charm by pairing it with globular roses such as the Pierre de Ronsard climbing rose, and branches laden with the violet berries of Callicarpa bodinieri ‘Profusion — Bush of sweets.

The hybrid aster Carmen - bright pink aster

The Aster hybrid ‘Carmen’ is a perennial plant that produces a multitude of small semi-double, slightly tousled stars, bright pink with a golden-yellow centre. The stems are adorned with oblong, lanceolate leaves of a medium green. This aster tolerates heat and drought, as well as poor, calcareous soil. Reaching 90 cm at maturity, it prefers a sunny position and fresh soil.

Excellent for cut flowers, the Aster hybrid ‘Carmen’ harmonises with asters bearing pink or blue flowers, and with branches of Cotinus or of spindle trees.

The Aster macrophyllus 'twilight'

The Aster macrophyllus ‘twilight’ produces violet-blue flowers contrasting with a yellow centre, from August to October. The daisies grow on reddish stems that can reach up to 80 cm in height. The leaves are thick, large and lanceolate. This aster makes excellent cut flowers. Very hardy, the plant establishes itself in sun or partial shade in cool, rich soil.

In a cut flower arrangement, mix the Aster macrophyllus ‘Twilight’ with yellow Rudbeckias and autumn sedums.

The hybrid aster 'Ann Leys'

The hybrid Aster ‘Ann Leys‘ is an original plant intended for collectors. It’s a new, unusual variety, with very double flowers bearing a ruff of green ligules around a prominent centre. This centre resembles a claret-coloured pompom. The flower displays metallic, silvery, coppery or golden highlights, depending on the light and the age of the plant. This aster flowers from September to November. Robust, its stems are sturdy and make this aster an excellent cut flower, very long-lasting in a vase. An autumn perennial, it is easy to grow in any well-drained soil.

In a cut flower arrangement, it can be paired with Japanese anemones, as well as Cotinus foliage or other asters with a wispy flowering.

Our tips for sustainable bouquets

While Asters are flowers that last well in a vase, these tips will help you enjoy the beauty of your cut flower arrangement for even longer.

• Remove the leaves from the lower two-thirds of the stem and cut the end on a diagonal.
• Immerse the flowers in a clean vase filled with fresh water.
• You can also add a cut flower preservative or a little sugar to the water.
• Change the water in the vase every day and trim the stems slightly on a diagonal if needed.