A myriad of tiny daisies

What’s looking good now

It can be thrilling to discover something you’d forgo en about, and the more we get into the dark, dank days of winter, the more thrilling it is. I was almost startled the other day to see the stems of Symphyotrichum lateriflorum horizontalis (horizontal calico aster) leaning out at jaunty angles from the raised beds, smothered in constellations of their starry flowers.

Usually, this aster makes an upright plant – Christopher Lloyd used it as a hedge at Great Dixter – but in its present position in our raised beds, it has been pushed ‘over the edge’ by crowded conditions, sanguisorba and other bullies stopping it from standing up straight. Far from being disappointed that it didn’t do what was expected of it, I’m thrilled to see its pendulous display. You can really appreciate the myriad of tiny, pale daisies, each with a plum-purple centre that make it such an outstanding plant at this time of year.

It’s easy to grow and impervious to the mildew that spoils so many Michaelmas daisies. Over winter it puts on another act, its stems persisting until spring when they can be cut back, giving light and air to the emerging shoots. As with all late flowerers, spring is the best time to divide. If plants are young and strong they can often just be pulled apart, but if they’re older and have dense crowns you may need to employ secateurs or a sharp knife.