PLANT LATE-SUMMER ASTERS

Add a blast of colour to borders and containers, and keep the pollinators happy

Asters are a classic cottage garden plant that bring the garden to life in late summer, adding a blast of colour to pots and borders. They’re also a key source of nectar and pollen for insects. There are three main types of aster – Symphyotrichum novi-belgii (New York asters), which tend to be prone to mildew, Symphyotrichum novae-angliae (New England asters) and European asters such as Aster amellus. To add to the profusion of names, several years ago asters were regrouped into different categories and renamed. Some of the best are now known as ‘symphyotrichum’, but whatever you call them, they’re well worth growing. For best results grow them alongside grasses, such as molinia and miscanthus, which will help to hide their scruffy lower stems, sedums, or elegant white-flowered Japanese anemone ‘Honorine Jobert’. Most asters thrive in full sun, in any moist but well-drained soil. Trim them back straight after flowering to keep them looking neat.

SUMMER’S FINALE Plant blue aster ‘Mönch’ for a late-season spectacle, shown here with sedum and Acer palmatum ‘Dissectum’

Eurybia divaricata Known as the white wood aster, this is happy in dry shade. H and S60cm (2ft)

Aster amellus ‘Veilchenkönigin’ Compact upright purple-flowered aster. H and S40cm (16in)

S. noviae-angliae ‘Septemberrubin’ Deep pink with large yellow centres. H and S1.2m (4ft)

S. ‘Little Carlow’ Bushy perennial with clouds of violet-blue flowers. H90cm (3ft) S45cm (18in)

S. novae-angliae ‘Quinton Menzies’ Tall stemmed with bright pink blooms. H1.5m (5ft) S80cm (32in)

Aster frikartii ‘Mönch’ Long-flowering with slender lilac-blue petals. H90cm (3ft) S40cm (16in)