Aster novi-belgii ‘Harrison’s Blue’

Aster novi-belgii ‘Harrison’s Blue’ forms a bushy clump of dark green foliage and deep purple flowers.

The leaves are dark green and shiny.

The flowers are more purple than blue, and star-shaped.

This Aster looks particularly magnificent alongside ornamental grasses:

• • Festuca glauca
  • Stipa tenuifolia
  • Miscanthus giganteus

The blooming period is long and highly attractive to pollinators.

This allows for this variety to produce a great number of long flowers, which are particularly magnificent in cut flower bouquets or any floral arrangements.

👨‍🌾GARDENING TIPS👨‍🌾: 

• • In nutrient-poor soil, the blooms of Aster novi-belgii ‘Harrison Blue’ will be rather pale > so do add some compost or nutrient-rich soil when you’re planting.
  • ☀️Prefers a strong morning sunshine to a blast of afternoon heat
  • 💧Applying mulch around the clump will help retain moisture for a longer period.
  • ✂️ Cutting back the stems to 20cm from the ground in January promotes a strong reconstitution
  • ➗Divide the clumps as they begin to multiply. It isn’t invasive, but can be a vigorous grower.

The Tale:

The name Aster comes from the Ancient Greek word ἀστήρ (astḗr) which means ‘star’ – we’ll assume that it refers to the shape of the flower head.

The genus used to encompass over 600 species, but various studies showed that the families of North America are actually a different kettle of fish. Today, the Aster family encompasses around 170 species, all but one of which are restricted to Eurasia.

This particular Aster is an Aster pilosum or ericoides var. pringlei, making it a native to eastern North America.

It is one of the few flowers that blooms in fall – specifically during Michaelmas (29 September) – which is why there is even a rhyme in its honor!

• • “The Michaelmas daisies, among dead weeds, Bloom for St Michael’s valorous deeds”