Symphyotrichum dumosum 'Early Blue' (Bushy aster 'Early Blue')

Botanical name

Symphyotrichum dumosum 'Early Blue'

Other names

Bushy aster 'Early Blue', Dwarf aster 'Early Blue', Aster dumosus 'Early Blue'

Genus

Aster Aster

Variety or Cultivar

'Early Blue' _ 'Early Blue' is a compact, bushy, clump-forming, deciduous perennial with linear to narrowly elliptic, dark green leaves and, from late summer into autumn, open panicles of violet-blue flowerheads with yellow centres.

Native to

Garden origin

Foliage

Deciduous

Habit

Bushy, Clump-forming, Compact

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Colour

Flower

Violet, Blue in Summer; Blue, Violet in Autumn

Foliage

Dark-green in Spring; Dark-green in Summer; Dark-green in Autumn

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How to care

Watch out for

Specific pests

Aphids , Eelworms (leaf and bud) , Michaelmas daisy mite , Slugs , Snails

Specific diseases

Fusarium wilt , Grey mould , Leaf spot

General care

Pruning

Cut back in late autumn.

Propagation methods

Division

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Monthly care advice

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Where to grow

Symphyotrichum dumosum 'Early Blue' (Bushy aster 'Early Blue') will reach a height of 0.4m and a spread of 0.4m after 2-5 years.

Suggested uses

Cottage/Informal, Flower Arranging, Beds and borders

Cultivation

Plant in moderately fertile, moist soil in partial shade. Will tolerate full sun.

Soil type

Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types)

Soil drainage

Well-drained, Moist but well-drained

Soil pH

Acid, Alkaline, Neutral

Light

Partial Shade, Full Sun

Aspect

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

Defra's Risk register #1

Plant name

Symphyotrichum dumosum 'Early Blue' (Bushy aster 'Early Blue')

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

Symphyotrichum dumosum 'Early Blue' (Bushy aster 'Early Blue')

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.

Defra's Risk register #3

Plant name

Symphyotrichum dumosum 'Early Blue' (Bushy aster 'Early Blue')

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.

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/