Compact, award-winning Symphyotrichum lateriflorum var. horizontale (Horizontal Calico Aster) is a bushy herbaceous perennial boasting wide-spreading branched sprays covered with small white flowers in late summer and fall. Particularly attractive, the flowers feature a purplish-red center disk surrounded by a ring of 8-15 white to lavender-tinged rays. The horizontal, stiff branches are clothed with small, narrow, dark green leaves which turn a nice coppery hue in late summer. A wonderful garden plant to be used in mixed borders or as a low-growing hedge. This Aster is easy to grow, long-lived, brings cheerful fall color, and is a great source of nectar for butterflies.

• Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society for its noteworthy qualities.
• Typically grows up to 2 ft. tall and wide (60 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.