Aster macrophyllus Albus

Aster macrophyllus 'Albus', also known as Large-leaved Aster, is a robust rhizomatous perennial that is very easy to grow. It forms a beautiful bush of light green, heart-shaped leaves, and in late summer it is covered in umbels of small star-shaped flowers, white with a yellow-brown centre. This close relative of asters has a conquering temperament that allows it to thrive in the light shade of leafy trees or at the edge of woodlands, among the roots. It is one of the few perennials capable of smothering ground elder. It thrives in any moderately moist soil and can also be grown successfully in pots.

Aster macrophyllus, now renamed Eurybia macrophylla, is a very hardy perennial plant native to North America. It inhabits deciduous and mixed forests, distributed across a vast area ranging from from Eastern and Central Canada (from Nova Scotia to Manitoba), through the southern slope of the Appalachians, to Missouri and Arkansas. 'Albus' is a paler form of this vigorous plant, with lilac flowers. The plant forms a bushy clump that reaches a minimum height of 1m (3ft) and a width of 50cm (20in), spreading over time from a rhizomatous stump. Flowering begins in September and continues until the first frost. The flowers, similar to small asters with narrow ligules, are white to very pale lilac and are gathered in large flat clusters above the foliage; they attract many pollinating insects. The basal leaves, averaging 15cm (6in) in length, are heart-shaped, light green, rough, and toothed, while the upper leaves are ovate and directly attached to generally purple and hairy stems, slightly sticky.

Aster macrophyllus Albus thrives in any fresh to moderately dry soil, even in the presence of tree roots. It is ideal for adding flowers to a challenging spot, e.g. at the edge of wooded areas, where it will bring a refined yet slightly wild charm. It can be combined with e.g. periwinkles, Cimicifuga racemosa, dead nettles, or variegated ivy. In sunnier locations it will be beautifully complemented by Rudbeckia, Aster tataricus Jindai, Aster turbinellus, and autumn sedums. It is an excellent ground cover plant for partial shade, and its flowers can be used to create lovely country-style bouquets at the end of the season.