Aster alpinus Pinkie

Aster alpinus 'Pinkie' is a lovely selection of Alpine Aster with deep pink flowers. Aster alpinus is a small alpine species that blooms in spring or early summer, unlike the larger asters. A low-growing, woolly plant, it is a perennial grass-like plant with a woody base, forming cushion-like clumps and covered in daisy-like flowers that are relatively large considering its modest size. Fully hardy, understated, and undemanding, this little aster thrives in full sun in well-drained limestone soils and is an excellent rockery or border plant.

Aster alpinus belongs to the Asteraceae family. Its origin is in the Alps, where it grows in middle mountain stages, among rocks and meadows. The 'Pinkie' variety is a horticultural selection with bold pink flowers. The plant has a spreading tufted habit, forming dense and compact mats. It will not exceed 20 to 25cm (8 to 10in) in height when flowering and will spread at least 20cm (8in). Its growth rate is quite slow, and the lifespan of the plant will be shorter in rich and poorly drained soil. Flowering occurs from April to June-July depending on the region, and it lasts about a month. The inflorescence is a solitary head, measuring 4 to 5cm (2in) in width, with outer ligulate flowers in a deep pink colour. The central flowers (the heart) are a golden yellow. This aster is a deciduous to semi-evergreen perennial depending on the climate. The leaves, pubescent at the base of hairy stems, are 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 bristly, dull white and greyish bristle, twice as long as the achene. This plant spreads through underground woody stems.

In nature, it is found in warm and limestone-rich middle-altitude stations, in meadows, clearings, forest edges, slopes, and roadsides. Use this as inspiration for the garden, by planting 'Pinkie' in sunny rockeries, alongside other dwarf asters ('Blue Beauty', 'Albus', 'Goliath'), Scabiosa columbaria 'Pink Mist', or Sedum 'Red Cauli', 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 ideal in rock gardens or alpine troughs, or even in pots.