Aster Herfstweelde

The Aster Herfstweelde is a very pretty hybrid that is vigorous, floriferous, and undemanding. Its countless lavender flowers, with delicate petals and reminiscent of giant daisies, bloom from late summer until autumn, attracting the last butterflies to its beautiful bushy vegetation. This lovely variety is also hardy and easy to grow in any moist to relatively dry, even alkaline, soil.

Aster or Symphyotrichum Herfstweelde belongs to the family of Asteraceae. It is a horticultural hybrid derived in particular from Aster ericoides, a botanical species known for its tolerance to poor and dry soils. It is a deciduous perennial plant, whose above-ground growth dries up in autumn and regenerates every spring. Growing fairly quickly, this aster forms a well-branched and upright clump that reaches about 1m (3ft) in height and 60cm (24in) in width. Its slender stems bear fine dark green leaves. Flowering begins in September and ends in late October or early November. The flowers are capitula of 6cm (2in) diameter, composed of delicate mauve ligules that fade almost to white, surrounding a central yellow disc that turns brownish-pink. They are grouped in ramified panicles. The flowering of asters, nectar-rich and honey-producing, attracts pollinating insects. The flowers produce feathery fruits, grey to beige, which remain decorative for a long time.

It is impossible to imagine our gardens without asters in the beds and borders. 'Herfstweelde' is particularly easy, yet very ornamental. It is a boon for wild gardens, large slopes, and beds at the back of the garden that don't get watered. It pairs perfectly with all flowerbed regulars, such as shrubby salvias, all 'sunflowers', tall sedums, and grasses (Miscanthus, Pennisetums, Stipa). Try the following combination: Aster Herfstweelde, Aster Schneetanne, Sedum 'Purple Emperor', and Penstemon 'Raven'. The combination of colours, foliage, and textures will delight from summer to autumn. Group 3 or 5 aster plants at the back of the bed and they will form a lively, airy mass in the autumn light. 'Herfstweelde' is also an excellent cut flower, much appreciated in country-style bouquets.