Three autumnal Asters chosen by plant hunter Lark Hanham
Arriving fashionably late in the __garden calendar are these hardy perennial Michaelmas daises. Consisting of more than 1,000 different cultivars, there’s something for every taste and site. Although they thrive in full sun and free-draining fertile soils, the species also flourish in our climate. They shamelessly extend the interest and colour in the __garden into late November if you choose the right variety. In recent years, breeders have focused on growing dwarf anti-flop mildew-resistant hybrids, which avoid the unsightly residue that collects on the leaves. However, for a show-stopping and long-lasting autumnal extravaganza, I still fall in love with the proper heritage Asters that demand attention as they swathe through planting schemes.
Spread 40cm.
Divaricatus 'Eastern Star'
This favourite of Gertrude Jeykll is ideal for twinkling under the canopies of deciduous trees. Charming white flowers with protruding yellow eyes that arrive in June and continue into September contrast against their mahogany red stems. Its relaxed, sprawling habit offers an informal charm. Height 60cm.
• Shop now
Ericoides 'Blue Star' AGM
Robust, rust resistant and floriferous, the award-winning Blue Star is ideal for planting through the middle of the border. It creates imposing mounds of branched stems, each one covered with smaller starry blue flowers that cover the clumps from July to November. Height 90cm
• Shop now
Novi-belgii 'Patricia Ballard'
Above neat mildew-free delicate green foliage, numerous semi-double vibrant pink blooms arrive en masse from August to October. They associate well with Japanese anemones and Rudbeckias to epitomise that true autumnal border. The flowers are followed by attractive seed-heads. Height 90cm.
• Shop now
How to buy
Buy Lark’s autumnal Asters
- Buy one for £6.49 or buy the mix of three (one of each) for £12.98. Buy two get one free or buy nine (three of each) for only £26.99 (£3 per pot) and save £34.42. Plus p&p at £4.95.
- Supplied as 9cm pots in14 days*.
- Order at gardenshop.telegraph.co.uk/asta or call 0333 772 0325. Your contract for the supply of goods is with Hayloft Plants Ltd.
- *Offers subject to availability.
Offer closing date November 29, 2016.
Plant of the Week
Lysimachia Clethroides AGM
Why
Favoured for its vigorous, upright habit and the late colour from its blooms and autumnal foliage, the easy to grow, unmistakable Clethroides can be seen in gardens now. Referred to as the Gooseneck loosestrife, as it literally looks like an attractive gabble of ducks.
Where
Planted in small clumps, it thrives in semi-shaded situations with slightly moist but not waterlogged soils.
How
Forms fleshy mounds of upright stems. Add ample
organic matter to planting holes and try not to remove spent flowers as the seed
heads are as equally divine and adds interest in winter.
Works well with…
Euphorbia-like whirling, alternately placed foliage, which in itself is impressive. It associates well in tropical-style planting schemes.
Height and spread 90cm.
How to buy
- Buy one 9cm pot for £7.99 and save £3 or buy three
for £15.98 – buy two, get one free. P&P £4.95. - Supplied as 9cm pots in 14
days*. - Order at gardenshop.telegraph.co.uk or call 0333 772 0325. Contract for supply of goods is with Hayloft Plants Ltd.
- *Offers subject to availability.
