Symphyotrichum lateriflorum ‘Lady in Black’ (Calico Aster)

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.