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Aster lateriflorus ‘Lady in Black’

Photo/Illustration: Courtesy of Bluestone Perennials

(Based on 1 user review)

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Hardiness Zones:

Botanical Name: Aster lateriflorus ‘Lady in Black’ ASS-ter lat-er-ih-FLOOR-us

Genus: Aster

Although it’s valued for its autumn blossoms, ‘Lady in Black’ creates a stir from the moment its dusky purple leaves unfurl in spring. By summer’s end, thousands of tiny dark buds dot the densely branched 3-foot-tall plant, promising an explosion of color.
Noteworthy characteristics: Dusky-purple leaves make this a long-season highlight. Attracts butterflies.
Care: Prefers full sun and moist but well-drained soil. Pinch stems back in early summer if bushier plants are desired. Tolerates light shade.
Propagation:

Divides well in autumn. Most asters require frequent division.

Problems:

Asters are sometimes plagued by fungal diseases. The most common are wilt disease, powdery mildew, and botrytis.

Overview
User Reviews
Photos

Height	1 ft. to 3 ft.
Spread	1 ft. to 3 ft.
Growth Habit	Clumps
Light	Full Sun to Part Shade
Moisture	Medium Moisture
Maintenance	Low
Characteristics	Native; Showy Flowers; Showy Foliage
Bloom Time	Fall; Summer
Uses	Beds and Borders
Style	Cottage Garden, Meadow Garden
Seasonal Interest	Spring Interest, Summer Interest, Fall Interest
Type	Perennials

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posted by SandiC
9/25/2008
Region: Midwest
Zone: 5

I had let this plant go this year,without pinching it back & it is now over 5 ft tall with thousands of blooms! Next year I will pinch it back, but in the meantime the branches form a neat tall cascade, attracting lots of butterflies! We are officially zone 5 in Missouri, but many of my plants thrive as though it is zone 6.

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