posted by seadaffodil
9/11/2010
Region: Northeast
Zone: 5
I bought this plant at a local nursery. This is its first year in my garden and since summer here was unusually sunny, I watered through the dry spells (approximately once every 7-10 days). The plant is healthy (some powdery mildew on lower leaves) but was not coddled with water or fertilizer. This "compact" cultivar now stands at 5+ feet, taller than the native Aster laevis planted in another bed.
The tag promised a plant appropriate for the front of a border, but it is not. It's so tall it's shading things out, and it leans into and obstructs a path in spite of staking with tomato cages. I like the flower color and I'm happy the plant is so robust, but it's really annoying to have to move something because the plant is not true to its description.
Whoever bred this selection has some serious 'splaining to do.
posted by bayberry
4/10/2008
Region: Northeast
Zone: 6
LOVE this plant. beautiful color and overall shape. The lanceolate shape of the leaves nicely contrast with the rounded flowers. Hardy
posted by Janorm
4/8/2008
Region: Gulf Coast
Zone: 9
This species refues to die even during a texas drought! It still manages to survive and flourish! It will even bloom multiple times if give some extra TLC!
posted by Greggor
4/3/2008
Region: Mid-Atlantic
Zone: 6
Probably my favorite fall flower. It covers itself with flowers for weeks and doesn't need staking. If I don't keep it watered during the summer it will drop all of its lower leaves and look a little ragged.
posted by mlpete
3/31/2008
Region: Midwest
Zone: 4
posted by suzygirl
3/28/2008
Region: Midwest
Zone: 5
Very reliable perennial
posted by emmie
3/28/2008
Region: Lower Plains
Zone: 6
Very hardy-spreads
posted by arthritic1
3/27/2008
Region: West
Zone: 9
Great color in late summer, and needs no care except to cut back after bloom. Of course, like many asters it spreads determinedly. You have to stay on top of its invasiveness, but it isn't hard to pull up.
posted by groundhog08
3/27/2008
Region: West
Zone: 9
The plant grows and flowers without any help from me. I do have to divide it every other year, however. It is growing in a perennial bed that receives sunlight until 1o'clock in the afternoon.
Click on a thumbnail to see a full sized image
Photo/Illustration: Chris Curless
Photo/Illustration: Courtesy of White Flower Farm
