Symphyotrichum lateriflorum 'Lady in Black' (Calico Aster)
Calico Aster 'Lady in Black', Aster lateriflorus 'Lady in Black'
Graceful, Symphyotrichum lateriflorum 'Lady in Black' (Calico Aster) is a bushy clump-forming perennial boasting a profusion of branching sprays covered with small white flowers in late summer and fall. Particularly attractive, the flowers feature a rosy-pink center disk surrounded by a ring of white rays. The stiff, deep purple stems are clothed with small, narrow, dark purple leaves that usually remain attractive throughout the season. A superb garden plant to be used in mixed borders or in front of fall-coloring shrubs and trees. This Aster is easy to grow, long-lived, brings cheerful fall color, and is a great source of nectar for butterflies.
- Typically grows up to 3-4 ft. tall (90-120 cm) and 2-3 ft. wide (60-90 cm). May need some support.
- Thrives in full sun or partial shade, in moderately fertile, medium moisture, well-drained soils. Provide good air circulation to avoid foliage diseases such as powdery mildew.
- A vital ingredient of late summer and fall borders, cottage gardens, prairies, or butterfly gardens.
- Generally pest free. Keep an eye out for verticillium wilt, powdery mildew, and gray molds.
- Cut back in late autumn.
- Propagate by division in spring. Divide every 3-5 years.
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Requirements
Hardiness | 4
– 8 |
---|---|
Heat Zones | 1
– 8 |
Climate Zones | 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21 |
Plant Type | Perennials |
Plant Family | Aster |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest |
Summer (Late) Fall |
Height | 3' – 4' (90cm – 120cm) |
Spread | 2' – 3' (60cm – 90cm) |
Spacing | 36" (90cm) |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Chalk, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Showy |
Attracts | Butterflies |
Garden Uses | Beds and Borders, Hedges and Screens |
Garden Styles | Coastal Garden, Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow |
By Kymme, Shutterstock, © Martin Ogden /www.teddingtongardener.com
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
Requirements
Hardiness | 4
– 8 |
---|---|
Heat Zones | 1
– 8 |
Climate Zones | 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21 |
Plant Type | Perennials |
Plant Family | Aster |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest |
Summer (Late) Fall |
Height | 3' – 4' (90cm – 120cm) |
Spread | 2' – 3' (60cm – 90cm) |
Spacing | 36" (90cm) |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Chalk, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Showy |
Attracts | Butterflies |
Garden Uses | Beds and Borders, Hedges and Screens |
Garden Styles | Coastal Garden, Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow |