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Symphyotrichum shortii (Short's aster)
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2 hours care
per year
per year
0.9m
Max height
Max height
0.5m
Max spread
Max spread
2-5 years
To maturity
To maturity
Plant details
Botanical name
Symphyotrichum shortii
Other names
Short's aster, Aster shortii, Aster camptosorus, Midwestern blue heart-leaved aster, Starwort , Frostflower
Genus
Symphyotrichum Symphyotrichum
Species
S. shortii - S. shortii is an erect, deciduous perennial with narrowly ovate to lance-shaped, pointed, sometimes toothed, mid- to dark green leaves, hairy beneath, and, in autumn, panicles of pale lavender flowerheads with yellow centres.
Symphyotrichum shortii is: Deciduous
Habit
Erect
Flower
Lavender in Summer; Lavender in Autumn
Foliage
Dark-green in Spring; Dark-green in Summer; Dark-green in Autumn
How to care
Watch out for
Pests
Resistant to damage by deer (Deer Resistant B - Seldom Severely Damaged).
Specific pests
Aphids , Eelworms (leaf and bud) , Slugs , Snails Aphids , Eelworms (leaf and bud) , Slugs , Snails
Fusarium wilt , Grey mould , Leaf spot Fusarium wilt , Grey mould , Leaf spot
General care
Pruning
Cut back in late autumn. This cultivar can be cut or pinched back in early summer to encourage a bushier, compact form and later flowers.
Propagation
Tends to self-seed readily.
Propagation methods
Division, Softwood cuttings
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Where to grow
Symphyotrichum shortii (Short's aster) will reach a height of 0.9m and a spread of 0.5m after 2-5 years.
Suggested uses
Beds and borders, Bees (attract & feed bees), Cottage/Informal, Flower Arranging, Wildlife
Cultivation
Best in fertile, moist but well-drained, acid to neutral soil in partial to full shade. Tolerates alkaline conditions. May need staking. Resistant to damage by deer.
Soil type
Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types)
Soil drainage
Well-drained, Moist but well-drained
Soil pH
Acid, Neutral
Light
Partial Shade, Full Shade
Aspect
South, East, West
Exposure
Exposed, Sheltered
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 shortii
Other names
Short's aster, Aster shortii, Aster camptosorus, Midwestern blue heart-leaved aster, Starwort , Frostflower
Genus
Symphyotrichum Symphyotrichum
Species
S. shortii - S. shortii is an erect, deciduous perennial with narrowly ovate to lance-shaped, pointed, sometimes toothed, mid- to dark green leaves, hairy beneath, and, in autumn, panicles of pale lavender flowerheads with yellow centres.
Native to
Eastern United States
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Erect
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Colour
Flower
Lavender in Summer; Lavender in Autumn
Foliage
Dark-green in Spring; Dark-green in Summer; Dark-green in Autumn
How to care
Watch out for
Pests
Resistant to damage by deer (Deer Resistant B - Seldom Severely Damaged).
Specific pests
Aphids , Eelworms (leaf and bud) , Slugs , Snails
Specific diseases
Fusarium wilt , Grey mould , Leaf spot
General care
Pruning
Cut back in late autumn. This cultivar can be cut or pinched back in early summer to encourage a bushier, compact form and later flowers.
Propagation
Tends to self-seed readily.
Propagation methods
Division, Softwood cuttings
Monthly care advice
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Where to grow
Symphyotrichum shortii (Short's aster) will reach a height of 0.9m and a spread of 0.5m after 2-5 years.
Suggested uses
Beds and borders, Bees (attract & feed bees), Cottage/Informal, Flower Arranging, Wildlife
Cultivation
Best in fertile, moist but well-drained, acid to neutral soil in partial to full shade. Tolerates alkaline conditions. May need staking. Resistant to damage by deer.
Soil type
Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types)
Soil drainage
Well-drained, Moist but well-drained
Soil pH
Acid, Neutral
Light
Partial Shade, Full Shade
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 8, Zone 7, Zone 6, Zone 5, Zone 4, Zone 3
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: | Well-drained, Moist but well-drained | Tell us... |
| Soil pH: | Acid, Neutral | Tell us... |
| Light: | Partial Shade, Full Shade | Tell us... |
| Aspect: | South, East, West | Tell us... |
| Exposure: | Exposed, Sheltered | Tell us... |
| Hardiness: | Hardy (H4) | Tell us... |
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