Aster 'Beth Chatto'
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Plant Name | Aster Divaricatus 'Beth Chatto' |
| Common Name | Michaelmas Daisy |
| Plant Type | Herbaceous perennial |
| Height | 2 to 3 feet (60 to 90 centimetres) |
| Spread | 1.5 to 2 feet (45 to 60 centimetres) |
| Foliage | Lance-shaped, green leaves |
| Flower Colour | Lavender-blue with yellow centres |
| Bloom Time | Late summer to autumn |
| Sun Exposure | Full sun to partial shade |
| Soil | Well-draining soil; prefers moist, fertile soil |
| Watering | Moderate, keep the soil moist but not waterlogged |
| Maintenance | Low to moderate, deadhead spent flowers, cut back in late autumn or early spring |
| Uses | Borders, cottage gardens, pollinator gardens, containers |
| Notable Feature | Attracts pollinators, long blooming period, disease-resistant |
Planting Aspects
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Site Selection: Plant in full sun to partial shade in a location with well-draining soil. Aster 'Beth Chatto' thrives in sunny positions but can tolerate some light shade.
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Soil Preparation: Prepare the soil by adding organic matter to improve fertility and drainage. Moist, fertile soil is ideal.
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Planting Depth: Plant at the same depth as the nursery container.
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Spacing: Space plants about 1.5 to 2 feet apart to allow for proper air circulation and growth.
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Watering: Water moderately, ensuring the soil remains moist but not waterlogged. Mulch to retain soil moisture.
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Mulching: Apply a layer of organic mulch around the base of the plant to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.
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Maintenance: Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming and maintain a tidy appearance. Cut back the foliage in late autumn or early spring to encourage new growth.
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Fertilizing: Apply a balanced fertilizer in spring to promote healthy growth and flowering. Avoid over-fertilizing as this can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowers.
Aster 'Beth Chatto,' commonly known as Michaelmas Daisy, is a charming herbaceous perennial known for its lavender-blue flowers with yellow centres that bloom from late summer to autumn. With a height of 2 to 3 feet and a spread of 1.5 to 2 feet, 'Beth Chatto' is ideal for borders, cottage gardens, pollinator gardens, and containers. Its long blooming period and attractiveness to pollinators such as bees and butterflies make it a valuable addition to any garden designed to support wildlife.