Aster novi-belgii Porzellan

Aster novi-belgii 'Porzellan' is a vigorous variety with large semi-double flowers. The light and clear 'petals', washed with a rather unusual pale mauve blue, surround a yellow heart. It is a tall, compact and luxuriant perennial, robust, and easy to grow.  This aster looks magnificent when planted en masse. It can tolerate poor soil, as long as it remains moist, in full sun or partial shade.

Aster novi-belgii belongs to the Asteraceae family of which 'Porzellan' is a horticultural cultivar. It is a hardy perennial plant with a compact and bushy habit. It will reach 100 cm (39in) in height when in flower and rapidly spread over 50 cm (20in). The very generous flowering takes place in September and October when the flowers are grouped in heads, the outer part is made up of white 'petals' with a blue-mauve reflection with a silvery hue. In the centre, tubular flowers form a yellow-orange heart. This aster is a deciduous plant, meaning it dries out completely each winter. The smooth and branching stems bear dense, dark green and shiny foliage.

It is impossible to imagine our gardens without asters in the beds or borders. They are undemanding and blend very well with other plants such as Salvia microphylla or Crocosmia 'Meteore'. These cheerful perennials accompany the arrival and splendour of autumn foliage. The 'Porzellan' aster will never look more beautiful than when planted in large fluffy masses, alongside the tousled pale pink flowers of 'Fellowship' aster or Solidago sempervirens. Try combining pink and blue asters with 'Grace' Cotinus or dwarf winged euonymus: the colour combination is surprising in autumn. These plants are also excellent cut flowers.