Aster alpinus Happy End

Aster alpinus 'Happy End' is a charming pink-flowered version of the Alpine Aster, a small mountainous species that flowers in spring or early summer, unlike the larger asters. A low-growing, tufted perennial with a woody base, it forms a cushion-like habit and is covered in daisy-like flowers that are relatively large compared to its modest stature. Fully hardy, unpretentious and undemanding, this little aster thrives in full sun in well-drained, limestone soil, and is a true gem for rock gardens.

It belongs to the Asteraceae family, and is native to the Alps, where it grows in middle mountain elevations, among rocks and pastures. 'Happy End' is a horticultural selection with fresh pink flowers. This perennial, starting from spring, forms spreading clumps, creating dense and compact mats. It will not exceed 20 to 25cm (8 to 10in) in height when in bloom, and will spread at least 20cm (8in). Its growth is rather slow, and the plant's lifespan will be shorter in rich and poorly drained soil. Flowering occurs from April to June-July depending on the region, and lasts about a month. The inflorescence is a solitary head, 4 to 5cm (2in) wide, with peripheral, ligulate flowers in pink. The central flowers (the heart) are yellow marked with brown. This aster is a deciduous to semi-evergreen perennial depending on the climate. At the base of the hairy stems, the leaves are pubescent, rough on both sides, generally entire, elongated, lanceolate, and dark green. They are sessile (without petiole) and acute. The fruit is an achene topped with a dirty white bristle, with bristles twice as long as the achene. This plant spreads through underground woody stems.

In nature, it is found in warm and limestone middle-altitude habitats, in meadows, in clearings, at the edge of forests, on slopes, and along paths. In the garden, it can be planted in sunny rock gardens, alongside other Alpine asters ('Blue Beauty', 'Albus', 'Goliath'), Scabiosa columbaria 'Pink Mist', or Sedum 'Red Cauli', emerging from a carpet of basket-of-gold for example. It is also perfect for creating a transition between perennial borders and pathways, or the top of walls. And of course, it is perfect in rock gardens or alpine troughs, or even in pots.