Michaelmas Daisy

Aster pyrenaeus Lutetia

• Position: full sun
• Soil: fertile, well-drained soil
• Rate of growth: average
• Flowering period: July to September
• Hardiness: fully hardy
  
  Asters are invaluable for providing late summer and autumn colour in the garden. This mildew-resistant form produces a fountain of twiggy stems, topped by full sprays of simple starry daisies in pale lavender blue. Their golden cental eye is a target for bees and butterflies. Suitable for middle or front of a sunny border where it will give a colourful display for many weeks. An excellent cut flower.
  
  
• Garden care: Leave top growth on through the winter to provide protection and valuable food for birds and insects. Insert twiggy prunings early in the season to provide invisible and effective support. Apply a thick 5-7cm (2-3in) mulch around the base of the plant in the autumn, taking care not to cover the crown.