It would be hard to imagine autumn without the soft, pastel drifts of the small-flowered Michaelmas daisy. The individual flowers of Michaelmas daisies may be small, but they are produced en masse<\/em>, transforming the plants into cloud-like forms.<\/p>\n

Small-flowered Michaelmas daisies are herbaceous, clump-forming perennial members of the Asteraceae family. They are drawn from five species, all part of the largely American genus Symphyotrichum<\/em>, (previously Aster<\/em>). They are distinguished through their flower size and profusion of blooms, along with their bushy habit. They are native to the USA and southern Canada.<\/p>\n

While some groups, such as the prolific New York Michaelmas daisies, are grown for their striking individual flowers or depth of colour, the small-flowered Michaelmas daisies offer a softer approach with their multitude of flowers, arching sprays and interesting foliage.<\/p>\n

Highly drought tolerant and resistant to mildew, and often able to flower in part shade, Michaelmas daisies are a welcome addition to the garden.<\/p>\n

Season<\/strong> The main flowering period is from early to mid-autumn.<\/li>\n
Conditions<\/strong> Best in sun or light shade in reasonable garden soil.<\/li>\n
Hardiness<\/strong> Most have a hardiness rating<\/a> of RHS H7, (tolerating temperatures to below \u201320\u00baC) and are suitable for gardens in USDA 4a-9b.<\/li>\n<\/ul>
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How to grow Michaelmas daisy<\/h2>\n
Small-flowered asters flourish in good, humus-rich garden soils and will tolerate and even thrive in poorer soils, as long as they do not dry out too much in hot conditions or get waterlogged in winter. Winter drainage is particularly important. In very hot, dry conditions, S. ericoides<\/em> cultivars such as \u2018Blue Star\u2019 are often the toughest. S. cordifolium<\/em> cultivars and hybrids such as \u2018Little Carlow\u2019 enjoy a bit more moisture.<\/p>\n
Good light is important for the best flowering, but many such as \u2018Chieftain\u2019 or S. lateriflorum<\/em> will tolerate light, dappled shade \u2013 that is, light, dappled shade from deciduous shrubs (not heavy evergreens).<\/p>\n
Where to plant Michaelmas daisy<\/h3>\n
In borders, small-flowered asters, particularly those with coloured foliage, such as \u2018Lady in Black\u2019, combine well with spring bulbs \u2013 the purple colouring acts as a foil for pale-flowered bulbs, such as Tulipa linifolia<\/em> \u2018Bright Gem\u2019. Some forms make excellent border edging, for example, S. lateriflorum<\/em> var. horizontale<\/em> as in the Peacock Garden at Great Dixter<\/a>, where it is used as a pseudohedge. Combined with other herbaceous plants and shrubs, they are invaluable for extending the season, the pastels helping to bring the rich autumn colours of Cotinus<\/em> and Acer<\/em> to an ever-more\nstriking crescendo. Combined with ornamental grasses<\/a>, they can add a charming pop of colour and an important change in texture.<\/p>\n
In raised beds and hanging baskets, the prostrate \u2018Snow Flurry\u2019 will happily trail over the edges. Growing small-flowered asters in garden borders may be the most common form of cultivation, but many can also be easily grown in containers, extending the season for terrace displays. The slightly shorter, bushier forms tend to excel in a generous container. Importantly, almost all make excellent cut flowers \u2013 so we can enjoy a little bit of autumn beauty in the house as well.<\/p>\n
How to propagate Michaelmas daisy<\/h3>\n
As well as improving the health and vigour of the plant, division is the easiest way to propagate small-flowered asters. Lift clumps for division every three to five years in spring, removing any old and woody material, and replanting or potting up the divided sections.<\/p>\n
Michaelmas daisy problems<\/h3>\n
Most species and cultivars show good levels of resistance to powdery mildew, but this does vary. In general, those with rougher foliage are less susceptible to mildew than those with very smooth foliage, but in very hot, dry conditions it can appear on some plants. To reduce the risk, apply a good mulch in the spring to slow down the rate of water loss and divide the plants on a fairly regular basis. Remove any diseased foliage as soon as\nyou see it to prevent spread.<\/p>\n
While most small-flowered asters are relatively untroubled by pests, it is worth watching out for slugs in early spring on young, clump-forming plants that are slow to establish, such as \u2018Photograph\u2019.<\/p>\n
The best small-flowered Michaelmas daisies to grow<\/h2>\n
Symphyotrichum<\/em> \u2018Little Carlow\u2019<\/h3>\n
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