A compact variety with lilac-blue daisy-like flowers with yellow centres from late summer and lance-shaped, aromatic mid-green leaves. This is a pretty cousin of Aster (Michaelmas Daisy) that will self-seed where happy and brighten up a mixed or herbaceous border after other perennials have done their bit. Deer and rabbit resistant, drought and salt tolerant, the abundant and long-flowering blooms of 'October Skies' are a clarion call for butterflies, bees and other pollinating insects.
How to care for Symphyotrichum oblongifolium October Skies:
Pinch back stems before mid-summer to promote bushiness. Dead head to avoid unwanted seedlings or cut back in late autumn to the ground and apply a generous mulch of well-rotted garden compost or horse manure around the base of the plant.
Eventual height:
0.45m
Eventual spread:
0.45m
Position:
Full sun / light shade
Rate of growth:
Fast-growing
Soil:
Moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil, or peat-free general purpose compost
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This perennial dies back to below ground level each year in autumn, then fresh new growth appears again in spring.
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Humans: Harmful if eaten