Aster pringlei ‘Monte Cassino’

Aster pringlei ‘Monte Cassino’ forms an airy clump of soft green foliage and hundreds of little white star-shaped flowers.

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The leaves are fine, delicate and bright green.

The flowers are white and star-shaped, dancing above the clouds of airy foliage. This cultivar was selected specifically for its abundant flowering period.

The stems of this tall variety can sometimes be knocked over by wind and rain, so some discreet staking or companion planting may be necessary.  A few companions that we can suggest that will always support an Aster:

• • Verbena bonariensis
  • Phlox amplifolia
  • Miscanthus giganteus

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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.

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👨‍🌾GARDENING TIPS👨‍🌾: 

• • ☀️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.

• Continue learning about Asters:

  • >> RHS Tips on Gardening with Asters (In English)

  • >> Most Beautiful Asters by Le Parisien (In French)

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The Tales & The Botany:

This Aster was a favorite of Henri Picot, a botanist at the Arboretum de Balaine (in the center of France) and so his name was attributed to this cultivar.

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.

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”

🌸Floral morphology

• It is characteristic of the Asteraceae family: the flowers are arranged in composite heads (capitula), combining central disk florets and peripheral ray florets.

The ray florets are usually brightly colored—shades of purple, blue, pink, or white—while the disk florets are often yellow, providing a striking contrast. Each capitulum is subtended by bracts (phyllaries) forming an involucre. Flowering occurs from late summer to autumn in most species, making asters important for late-season garden color.

🧬Reproductive biology

Asters are hermaphroditic, pollinated primarily by insects such as bees, butterflies, and beetles. Many species readily self-seed and can naturalize in favorable conditions. Seeds are small achenes, often with a pappus that aids in wind dispersal.

🦋 Ecology & cultivation

 Asters thrive in well-drained soils with moderate fertility and require full sun to partial shade. They are generally hardy, tolerating frost and varying moisture conditions. Asters are valued for ornamental gardening, pollinator support, and their role in naturalized meadows and prairie restorations.

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