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Symphyotrichum lateriflorum (Calico aster)
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2 hours care
per year
per year
1.2m
Max height
Max height
0.75m
Max spread
Max spread
2-5 years
To maturity
To maturity
Plant details
Botanical name
Symphyotrichum lateriflorum
Other names
Calico aster, Aster diffusus, Aster vimineus, Aster lateriflorus, Nail rod, Old Virginia, White devils, Wise weed
Genus
Symphyotrichum Symphyotrichum
Species
S. lateriflorum - S. lateriflorum is an upright, clump-forming, hairy, deciduous perennial with slender, spreading stems bearing linear to oblong, mid-green leaves and, from midsummer to mid-autumn, loose clusters of daisy-like, white to pale lilac flower heads with rose-pink centres.
Symphyotrichum lateriflorum is: Deciduous
Habit
Upright, Clump-forming
Flower
Lilac, White in Summer; White, Lilac in Autumn
Foliage
Dark-green in Spring; Dark-green in Summer; Dark-green in Autumn
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 Snails , Slugs , Eelworms (leaf and bud) , Aphids
Grey mould , Fusarium wilt , Leaf spot Grey mould , Fusarium wilt , Leaf spot
General care
Pruning
Pinch back in late spring or early summer if shorter plants are desired. Cut back in late autumn. Divide every 3-4 years in spring to maintain vigour. Root basal cuttings in spring.
Propagation methods
Basal cuttings, Division
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Where to grow
Symphyotrichum lateriflorum (Calico aster) will reach a height of 1.2m and a spread of 0.75m after 2-5 years.
Suggested uses
Gravel, Beds and borders, Flower Arranging, Cottage/Informal, Architectural
Cultivation
Grow in moderately fertile, well-drained or moist but well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade. Best in partial shade in areas with hot summers. Mulch after cutting back in late autumn.
Soil type
Chalky, Loamy, Sandy
Soil drainage
Well-drained
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Light
Partial Shade, Full Sun
Aspect
North, South, East, West
Exposure
Exposed
UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.
Hardy (H4)
Companion plants
We do not currently have companion plants added for this plant.
Botanical name
Symphyotrichum lateriflorum
Other names
Calico aster, Aster diffusus, Aster vimineus, Aster lateriflorus, Nail rod, Old Virginia, White devils, Wise weed
Genus
Symphyotrichum Symphyotrichum
Species
S. lateriflorum - S. lateriflorum is an upright, clump-forming, hairy, deciduous perennial with slender, spreading stems bearing linear to oblong, mid-green leaves and, from midsummer to mid-autumn, loose clusters of daisy-like, white to pale lilac flower heads with rose-pink centres.
Native to
North America
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Upright, Clump-forming
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Colour
Flower
Lilac, White in Summer; White, Lilac in Autumn
Foliage
Dark-green in Spring; Dark-green in Summer; Dark-green in Autumn
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
Pinch back in late spring or early summer if shorter plants are desired. Cut back in late autumn. Divide every 3-4 years in spring to maintain vigour. Root basal cuttings in spring.
Propagation methods
Basal cuttings, Division
Monthly care advice
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Where to grow
Symphyotrichum lateriflorum (Calico aster) will reach a height of 1.2m and a spread of 0.75m after 2-5 years.
Suggested uses
Gravel, Beds and borders, Flower Arranging, Cottage/Informal, Architectural
Cultivation
Grow in moderately fertile, well-drained or moist but well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade. Best in partial shade in areas with hot summers. Mulch after cutting back in late autumn.
Soil type
Chalky, Loamy, Sandy
Soil drainage
Well-drained
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Light
Partial Shade, Full Sun
Aspect
North, South, East, West
Exposure
Exposed
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
In order to add a note on this plant, please add this plant to your plant lists.
| This plant likes... | Garden match | |
| Soil types: | Chalky, Loamy, Sandy | Tell us... |
| Soil drainage: | Well-drained | Tell us... |
| Soil pH: | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral | Tell us... |
| Light: | Partial Shade, Full Sun | Tell us... |
| Aspect: | North, South, East, West | Tell us... |
| Exposure: | Exposed | Tell us... |
| Hardiness: | Hardy (H4) | Tell us... |
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