Boltonia asteroides Latisquama

Boltonia asteroides Latisquama is a robust perennial that resembles a giant aster. The plant quickly forms a solid and vigorous clump, that is well-branched and tall. It produces flowering stems that reach up to 1.50 m (5ft) above the ground, and transforms into a graceful, light display of hundreds of small lavender daisies with golden centres at the end of summer. The aster-like, rustic and charming Boltonia embodies the spirit of English gardens!

A species native to the northeastern United States, Boltonia asteroides is a plant from the Asteraceae family. Related to large asters, it is also known as False Aster. The Latisquama cultivar, slightly shorter than the type, is also distinguished by its lavender-coloured flowers. It is a vigorous and well-branched herbaceous perennial, with very rapid growth, which will reach maturity in a few months if planted in fertile and damp soil. In summer, large, sturdy flowering stems up to 1.50 m (5ft) tall appear, highly resistant to rain and wind. From August to October, flowers with 2 cm (1in) diameter appear, gathered in 10 to 15 cm (4 to 6in) diameter panicles. This variety forms a magnificent, elegant and airy display of small purple aster flowers. Nectar-rich and pollen-rich, its flowers attract many pollinators. The foliage consists of lanceolate, finely toothed leaves, 10 to 12 cm (4 to 5in) long, which are a beautiful blue-green colour, slightly glaucous and gradually becoming greener. In winter, Boltonia Latisquama takes on the modest appearance of a clump of narrow, simple leaves.

Boltonia, due to its large size, is an ideal ornamental plant for large gardens and informal flower beds. Its height makes it a great choice for the back of flower beds, where it will bring lightness, elegance, volume, and colour. Boltonia Latisquama can be adapted to a small garden by cutting the stems in spring. This way, the flowering stems will reach 1 m (3ft) instead of 1.50 m (5ft). Its autumn flowers allow for the creation of flower beds with staggered blooms, attractive all year round. With its wild appearance, it blends wonderfully with ornamental grasses such as Miscanthus, Turban Aster, Calliope Aster, Autumn Chrysanthemums, large Japanese Anemones, or everblooming shrubby Lavateras. The lightness and grace of its blooms provide abundant flowers for cutting, to create generous rustic bouquets.