Aster radula

Aster radula is a wild aster native to eastern Quebec, a species of the subarctic flora found as far as the Appalachian Mountains in North America, and therefore exceptionally hardy. While this plant is not spectacular, it blooms generously from the end of June, in the form of small blue or white heads with a golden yellow heart. Spreading through rhizomes, it forms light tufts adorned with disease-free hairy foliage. Easy to grow in the sun in ordinary or even poor soil, this is a plant for wild or mountain gardens.

Aster radula, also known as Eurybia radula, belongs to the Asteraceae family. In nature, it is found more often in wet places and on very acidic or even peaty soils. In cultivation, this species is very tolerant, accepting conditions that are quite different from its original habitat. This rhizomatous perennial has a flexible, bushy tuft-like habit, formed by leafy stems emerging from basal foliage. It will reach a height of 50-60 cm (20-24in) when flowering (sometimes 1.20m (4ft) if conditions are optimal), and spread over 50 cm (20in) fairly rapidly. The generous flowering takes place from the end of June until September, at the end of slender, brown, branched or unbranched stems. The inflorescence is a 2-3 cm (1in) diameter head, with peripheral, 'petals' that are bright blue, sometimes white. The central flowers (the heart) are bright yellow. The leaves are 5 to 8 cm (2 to 3in) long, oblong, pointed at their tips, medium green, hairy and clearly toothed on the edges. This plant self-sows spontaneously in light soil.

It is almost impossible to imagine our gardens without asters with their generosity and great adaptability. The species and varieties are so numerous that there is inevitably more than one suitable for each situation and climate. This one is particularly undemanding. It goes very well with Aster divaricatus, an equally hardy and accommodating relative, as well as with all other border plants such as Salvia microphylla, Salvia nemerosa, penstemons, dwarf gauras or Rudbeckia triloba. This mountainous Aster naturally finds a place in gardens located at high altitudes, in the sun, in the company of other enduring perennials such as larkspurs, valerians, bellflowers, autumn crocuses, or lupins.