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Symphyotrichum puniceum (Purplestem aster)
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2 hours care
per year
per year
2.5m
Max height
Max height
0.9m
Max spread
Max spread
2-5 years
To maturity
To maturity
Plant details
Botanical name
Symphyotrichum puniceum
Other names
Purplestem aster, Red-stemmed aster, Red-stem aster, Purple-stemmed American aster, Aster puniceus, Swamp aster, Red-stalk aster, Glossy-leaf aster
Genus
Symphyotrichum Symphyotrichum
Species
S. puniceum - S. puniceum is an erect, deciduous perennial with glossy, lance-shaped, stem-clasping, dark green leaves and, from late summer into autumn, dark purple stems bearing clusters of pale violet flower heads with yellow central disks.
Symphyotrichum puniceum is: Deciduous
Habit
Erect
Flower
Violet in Summer; Violet in Autumn
Foliage
Mid-green in Spring; Mid-green in Summer; Mid-green in Autumn
How to care
Watch out for
Specific pests
Aphids , Eelworms (leaf and bud) , Michaelmas daisy mite , Slugs , Snails Aphids , Eelworms (leaf and bud) , Michaelmas daisy mite , Slugs , Snails
Fusarium wilt , Grey mould , Leaf spot Fusarium wilt , Grey mould , Leaf spot
General care
Pruning
Cut back after flowering.
Propagation
Tends to self-seed readily. Sow seed in a cold frame in autumn or spring.
Propagation methods
Division, Seed
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Where to grow
Symphyotrichum puniceum (Purplestem aster) will reach a height of 2.5m and a spread of 0.9m after 2-5 years.
Suggested uses
Beds and borders, Bees (attract & feed bees), Cottage/Informal, Flower Arranging, Prairie planting, Wildflower, Woodland
Cultivation
Grow in moist or moist but well-drained soil in full sun.
Soil type
Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types)
Soil drainage
Moisture-retentive, Moist but 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)
Companion plants
Great for planting with hostas, astilbes, polemonium and other perennials that are getting ragged by September.
Botanical name
Symphyotrichum puniceum
Other names
Purplestem aster, Red-stemmed aster, Red-stem aster, Purple-stemmed American aster, Aster puniceus, Swamp aster, Red-stalk aster, Glossy-leaf aster
Genus
Symphyotrichum Symphyotrichum
Species
S. puniceum - S. puniceum is an erect, deciduous perennial with glossy, lance-shaped, stem-clasping, dark green leaves and, from late summer into autumn, dark purple stems bearing clusters of pale violet flower heads with yellow central disks.
Native to
Central North America, Eastern North America
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Erect
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Colour
Flower
Violet in Summer; Violet in Autumn
Foliage
Mid-green in Spring; Mid-green in Summer; Mid-green in Autumn
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 after flowering.
Propagation
Tends to self-seed readily. Sow seed in a cold frame in autumn or spring.
Propagation methods
Division, Seed
Monthly care advice
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Where to grow
Symphyotrichum puniceum (Purplestem aster) will reach a height of 2.5m and a spread of 0.9m after 2-5 years.
Suggested uses
Beds and borders, Bees (attract & feed bees), Cottage/Informal, Flower Arranging, Prairie planting, Wildflower, Woodland
Cultivation
Grow in moist or moist but well-drained soil in full sun.
Soil type
Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types)
Soil drainage
Moisture-retentive, Moist but 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 9, Zone 8, Zone 7, Zone 6, Zone 5, Zone 4, Zone 3, Zone 2
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, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types) | Tell us... |
| Soil drainage: | Moisture-retentive, Moist but well-drained | Tell us... |
| Soil pH: | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral | Tell us... |
| Light: | Full Sun | Tell us... |
| Aspect: | North, South, East, West | Tell us... |
| Exposure: | Exposed, Sheltered | Tell us... |
| Hardiness: | Hardy (H4) | Tell us... |
COMPANION PLANTS
Great for planting with hostas, astilbes, polemonium and other perennials that are getting ragged by September.
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