Compact Michaelmas daisies: flowers to withstand the weather
How do you ensure these autumn favourites are a hit rather than a flop? By choosing shorter varieties that can stand up to wind and rain, says Graham Rice
AS autumn approaches, we’re reminded of a number of things about Michaelmas daisies. Their ability to supply late-season colour, in a vast variety of shades, is evident – as is their appeal to butterflies. And whether we see them flourishing in one of the UK’s fine autumn gardens (such as Warwickshire’s Upton House or Old Court Nurseries in Malvern), or alongside the railway track where they have self-sown, it’s clear that these are not difficult plants to grow.
But their invaluable qualities come with a drawback: the plants tend to be tall, and as a result they flop over and need thoughtful staking to prevent autumn rains dragging their flowerheads towards the ground. All very annoying – unless, that is, you choose from the increasing range of dwarf varieties.
Most Michaelmas daisies and similar related plants (often known collectively as autumn asters) reach 4-5ft (1.2-1½m), even 6ft (1.8m) sometimes. Autumn gales, autumn rains – or a combination of the two – can quickly ruin your display unless the plants are carefully supported. But varieties that reach 2ft (60cm) or less need no support, regardless of the weather. They’ll simply sway in the wind and the rain will tend to run through them.
Ideal for small gardens
It’s true that some varieties, in sacrificing height, may provide less of an elegant presence in the border. But it’s a tradeoff I’m willing to make, especially given that, in a smaller garden, tall varieties can actually look a little out of proportion.
When it comes to colours, shorter varieties offer a wide range of options, with single or double flowers, so there’s no lack of choice. There are plenty of mail order nurseries specialising in these plants; but in recent years, as more dwarf varieties have come on the market, garden centres have also increased their offering. In fact some, such as the six colour Autumn Jewels series and five colour, earlier-flowering, Island Series, are more often found in garden centres than via mail order suppliers these days.
Medium/short varieties at 1-2ft (3060cm) tall are ideal in mixed borders – positioned in front of roses, perhaps. Or try them in autumn-themed plantings with hardy chrysanthemums, dahlias, grasses and other late perennials.
Then there are the shortest varieties – at less than 1ft (30cm) they work well planted at the front of the border with sedums, and also make great container companions for dwarf grasses.
With more and more shorter varieties now readily available, there’s never been a better time to add Michaelmas daisies to your garden. In fact, you’d be hardpressed to find a reason not to.