Plant Library

A compact aster with bright white flowers centered with yellow discs that take on reddish tones as they mature, creating lively contrast. Plants are smothered with small blooms in late summer and autumn. The growth habit is tidy and self-supporting.

Selected as a seedling and monitored for several years before release. Thrives in sun with average soil. Suitable for borders where compact habit and profuse late-season bloom are valued. The flowers attract pollinators during the autumn period. Combines effectively with grasses and other autumn perennials. Introduced by Free Spirit Nursery.

Luminous lavender-blue blossoms with yellow stamens smother plants in late summer and autumn. Although clumping in habit, plants cover substantial ground with arching branches and may benefit from support or sturdy neighbouring plants. The name translates as 'Autumn Wealth', reflecting the profusion of blooms.

Thrives in sun with average, moisture-retentive soil. Suitable for borders where the arching branches can weave through other plantings. The abundant flowers attract pollinators during the critical late season period. Combines well with grasses and tall perennials that can provide mutual support.

Elegant plumes dotted with masses of medium-sized, violet-blue flowers create waves of excitement in the autumn border. Plants form substantial clumps with good branching and maintain their form without support. The profusion of blooms provides exceptional late-season colour.

Thrives in sun with average to moist soil. Suitable for borders and naturalistic plantings where height and autumn interest are valued. The flowers attract butterflies and provide important late-season nectar. Combines effectively with grasses and other autumn perennials. RHS Award of Garden Merit.

An upright aster producing clouds of flowers in autumn. Plants form sturdy, well-branched clumps that maintain good form through the flowering period. The abundant blooms create substantial late-season interest and attract numerous pollinators.

Thrives in sun with average, moisture-retentive soil. Suitable for borders and naturalistic schemes where autumn colour and pollinator habitat are valued. Plants are reliably self-supporting and require minimal intervention. Combines well with grasses and other late-flowering perennials.

An upright aster with clouds of small flowers in autumn. Plants form sturdy clumps with good branching habit and maintain their form through the flowering season. The flowers appear in profusion, creating a haze of colour in the late border.

Thrives in sun with average, well-drained soil. Suitable for borders and naturalistic plantings where late season colour and pollinator value are important. Plants are self-supporting and require minimal maintenance. Combines effectively with grasses and other autumn perennials.

A tall selection with the same tiny white flowers and bronze centers as the compact forms, but with a more open, elegant habit. Flower branches arch gracefully without requiring support, creating a fountain-like effect. The reddish-brown foliage provides excellent contrast with the profusion of small blooms.

Suitable for middle and back of borders where the arching branches can be appreciated. Plants form tight clumps and do not spread aggressively. Thrives in sun with average soil. The elegant form and self-supporting habit make this a superb choice for late season interest without the need for staking.

A very compact aster with laterally branching habit, creating a dense mound. The finely textured leaves are extremely dark and maintain their colour throughout summer. Tiny whitish flowers with bronze centers appear in profusion in autumn, creating a frothy effect against the dark foliage.

Excellent for the front of borders, between grasses, and in combination with Russian sage. Plants maintain their structure well into winter. Thrives in sun with average soil. The dark foliage provides striking contrast with the pale flowers. Great Plant Pick selection.

A tall native aster forming substantial clumps with numerous flowers in autumn. The species varies in colour from purple to pink, typically with yellow centers. Plants can reach considerable height and may require support in the first season but firm up in subsequent years.

Thrives in sun with moisture-retentive soil. Suitable for back of borders and naturalistic plantings where height and late season colour are valued. The flowers attract butterflies and provide nectar for pollinators during autumn. Native to eastern and central North America and widely adaptable across various growing conditions.