PLANT OF THE WEEK

These get their name because Michaelmas Day (September 29) falls right in the middle of their flowering season.

They provide colour in borders and attract bees and butterflies. They can be tall and ungainly, so need supporting, and they are martyrs to mildew so they also need spraying. But don’t let that put you off all perennial asters. Some look just like Michaelmas daisies and are equally free flowering, but are far more compact, self-supporting and mildew tolerant.