Aster versicolor Altweibersommer

Aster x versicolor 'Altweibersommer' is an old hybrid variety that combines the qualities of its parents: the long flowering of Aster laevis and the vigour of the New York Aster. This large perennial plant has a long, abundant flowering from late summer to autumn, bearing a cloud of pale blue-mauve stars with yellow centres which turn purple. An undemanding aster, resilient to bad weather and easy to grow in any good well-draining garden soil, even limestone or clay. It has a wild and subtle charm, magnificent in the background of a border.

Aster or Symphyotrichum x versicolor belongs to the Asteraceae family. It is the result of spontaneous cross-breeding between  Aster laevis  and A. novi-belgii L and resembles its second parent most. 'Altweibersommer' was selected in Germany in 1949, by Karl Foerster. This perennial has an upright and bushy tufted habit. It will reach a minimum height of 90 cm (35in) when in flower and rapidly spread at least 70 cm (28in). The airy and generous flowering is loved by bees and butterflies and lasts from August to October. The light flower heads are pale blue-mauve, about 4 cm (2in) in diameter. The centre gradually changes colour from bright yellow to red-purple. The glaucous stems are strong and branching with quite thin, medium-green leaves. The basal leaves are lanceolate and toothed. This plant spreads rapidly so provide enough space to accommodate it in the garden.

It is impossible to imagine our gardens without asters and this one is particularly generous and vigorous. It pairs well with Salvia microphylla with intense magenta flowers, Helianthus 'Lemon Queen' and tall rudbeckias. The aster genus is extremely diverse, with a wide range of varied colours and sizes, suitable for all types of soils. Depending on the species and varieties, it is possible to extend the flowering from spring to the end of autumn. Amateur gardeners who love these lovely, rustic daisy-like flowers can enjoy them for a large part of the year, in the garden and in bouquets.