Aster ericoïdes f. prostratus Snow Flurry

Aster ericoïdes f. prostratus Snow Flurry is a beautiful improvement on the creeping heath aster, surpassing it with larger and therefore even more decorative white flowers: at the end of summer the plant resembles a broad snow-covered cushion. This variety, with its creeping and cascading habit, forms beautiful ground cover in raised borders, rockeries, on slopes, or in large planters.

Aster (or Symphyotichum) ericoïdes Snow Flurry is a woody-based herbaceous perennial plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. Its wild ancestor is native to the eastern and central United States, as well as northern Mexico. It is a plant of dry heathlands and well-drained soils that dislikes winter humidity. 'Snow Flurry' forms a very dense low bush whose initially erect stems bend and gracefully droop. In this variety, the flowers are larger than those of the species type and their colour contrasts with the dark green foliage. The well-branched plant measures about 20 cm (8in) in height and 50 cm (20in) in width. Flowering takes place from September (sometimes late August depending on the climate) to October. The vegetation is then covered with small star-shaped white flower heads with dark yellow centres, measuring 1.5 cm (1in) in diameter, which are appreciated by butterflies. The very fine dark green foliage is composed of tiny pointed and lanceolate leaves, carried by thin, sturdy, and branched stems. In winter, only a basal rosette remains at ground level.

It is impossible to imagine our gardens without aster beds or borders. Aster ericoïdes Snow Flurry is particularly undemanding in terms of soil type, and even tolerates drought. It perfectly covers the base of small trees and pairs very well with other creeping plants such as aubrietas, gold or silver candytuft, or sedums. In a flowerbed you can create layered and rounded volumes by combining asters of different stature and sizes, for example with Aster 'Little Carlow'. You could also combine with autumn-flowering roses, which are perfectly enhanced by the aster's mist of small flowers. This plant also makes an excellent cut flower.