Aster coloradoensis (Colorado aster)

Botanical name

Aster coloradoensis

Other names

Colorado aster, Colorado tansy aster, Xanthisma coloradoense, Machaeranthera coloradoensis

Genus

Aster Aster

Species

A. coloradoensis - A. coloradoensis is a mat-forming, hairy, wood-based, evergreen perennial with linear to spoon-shaped, toothed, grey-green leaves and, from summer into autumn, large, lilac-pink flowers with yellow centres.

Foliage

Evergreen

Habit

Mat Forming, Erect flower stem, Compact

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Colour

Flower

Lilac-pink in Summer; Lilac-pink in Autumn

Foliage

Grey-green in All seasons

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How to care

Watch out for

Pests

Pest free, may suffer from slugs on new growth.

Specific pests

Snails , Slugs , Eelworms (leaf and bud) , Aphids

Specific diseases

Grey mould , Fusarium wilt , Leaf spot

General care

Pruning

Deadhead regularly. Cut back in late autumn. Divide every third year to maintain vigour.

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Monthly care advice

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Where to grow

Aster coloradoensis (Colorado aster) will reach a height of 0.1m and a spread of 0.3m after 2-5 years.

Suggested uses

Gravel, Beds and borders, Flower Arranging, Cottage/Informal, Architectural

Cultivation

Grow in moderately fertile, gritty, well-drained soil in sun. Suitable for growing in a trough or scree bed. Dislikes heat. Drought tolerant once established.

Soil type

Chalky, Loamy, Sandy

Soil drainage

Well-drained

Soil pH

Acid, Alkaline, Neutral

Light

Full Sun

Aspect

North, South, East, West

Exposure

Exposed, Sheltered

UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.

Hardy (H4)

USDA zones

Zone 8, Zone 7, Zone 6, Zone 5, Zone 4

Defra's Risk register #1

Plant name

Aster coloradoensis (Colorado aster)

Common pest name

Asterleafhopper

Scientific pest name

Macrosteles quadrilineatus

Type

Insect

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

2

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

4

General biosecurity comments

Leafhopper pest native to North America; where it is responsible for purple top wilt disease of potatoes and aster yellows in lettuce. Not known to be present in the UK or elsewhere in the EU and statutory action will be taken in response to confirmed findings.

Defra's Risk register #2

Plant name

Aster coloradoensis (Colorado aster)

Common pest name

Green semi-looper

Scientific pest name

Chrysodeixis eriosoma

Type

Insect

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

General biosecurity comments

Polyphagous moth pest which is morphologically identical to a pest already established in the UK in protected environments and being controlled by IPM. Not expected to cause greater impacts than other species of Chrysodeixis in the UK.

Defra's Risk register #3

Plant name

Aster coloradoensis (Colorado aster)

Common pest name

Corn borer; Corn moth; European corn borer; European maize borer; European stalk borer; Maize pyralid

Scientific pest name

Ostrinia nubilalis

Type

Insect

Current status in UK

Present (Limited)

Likelihood to spread in UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

General biosecurity comments

Polyphagous boring pest present in the UK since the 1930’s. A maize-affecting race was detected for the first time in 2010. Industry may wish to monitor for its presence and mitigate against impacts.

About this section

Our plants are under greater threat than ever before. There is increasing movement of plants and other material traded from an increasing variety of sources. This increases the chances of exotic pests arriving with imported goods and travellers, as well as by natural means. Shoot is working with Defra to help members to do their part in preventing the introduction and spread of invasive risks.

Traveling or importing plants? Please read "Don't risk it" advice here

Suspected outbreak? Click here for contact details to report to the relevant authority.

Date updated: 7^th March 2019 For more information visit: https://planthealthportal.defra.gov.uk/