Aster Pink Star

The Pink Star hybrid Aster, aka Aster ericoides Pink Star, is a dense perennial that blooms from September to early November in a cloud of pinkish-purple flowers. Small, thin, green lanceolate leaves cover the slightly stiff and branching stems. This plant maintains a compact bushy shape and does not sucker. It is undemanding, not very susceptible to diseases, and thrives in well-drained soil, preferring a sunny position and tolerant of drought.

The Pink Star hybrid Aster belongs to the Asteraceae family and is a horticultural creation resulting from cross breeding between Aster ericoides and Aster Pringlei. It combines qualities such as a bushy habit, slender and sturdy stems, fine linear foliage, and extraordinary floriferousness. It also has perfect disease resistance and excellent adaptability to difficult conditions. This herbaceous perennial forms a flowering clump of 1m (3ft) in height and 30 cm (12in) in spread. Its growth rate is quite rapid. The very generous flowering occurs from September until the first days of November. The inflorescence is a semi-double capitule with peripheral ligulate flowers that are pinkish-purple and very delicate. The central flowers (the heart) are bright yellow, turning purple. The heads measure about 2 cm (1in) in diameter and are grouped in short corymbs, numbering 2 to 6. This aster is a deciduous perennial with slightly hairy stems. The basal leaves are slightly pubescent, entire, oblong, lanceolate, and medium green. The cauline leaves are linear, sessile (without petioles), and acute.

It is impossible to imagine our gardens without aster beds or borders. This variety is particularly undemanding, yet highly ornamental. It is a boon for wild gardens, large dry slopes, and the unfrequented corners of the garden. It pairs well with all other plants in the flowerbeds, such as Salvia microphylla, all 'sunflowers' such as the 'Lemon Queen' helianthus, heleniums, goldenrods, and large rudbeckias. Try planting alongside Aster Pink Star, Aster turbinellus, Sedum 'Purple Emperor', and Penstemon 'Mother of pearl' for a combination of colours, foliage, and textures that is delightful from summer to autumn. Group 3 or 5 Pink Star Asters at the back of the bed to create a vibrant, ethereal mass in the autumn light. 'Pink Star' is also an excellent cut flower, much appreciated for country-style bouquets.