Symphyotrichum lateriflorum – ‘Lady in Black’ Calico Aster

A tough, adaptable choice for most gardens. White rays with rose-colored centers, dark stems, and plum-tinged leaves give this plant an interesting and attractive 3-season appearance. Flowers are 1/2” across, and form in clusters on rigid stems, creating a showy display of contrasting colors. Relatively underused in the garden, these plants are an excellent shrub-form Aster. Stems may be pinched back in early summer to create a shorter and bushier plant. With a radiant display of abundant blossoms and attractive foliage, the plant attracts Butterflies and pollinating insects.

In the Chicago Botanic Garden trials, Calico Aster was rated as one of the 7 best-winning asters and has also received the Award of Garden Merit by RHS (Royal Horticultural Society in the UK). Previously known as Aster lateriflorum, it has been reclassified to the genus Symphyotrichum, but is still commonly referred to as an Aster.

In its native range, Calico Aster is primarily found along forest margins, meadows, depressions, and along roadsides. Good choice for naturalization, woodland gardens, meadows, or low-wet places. A rugged plant which tolerates site conditions ranging from occasionally-flooding bottomlands to dry uplands!

Plant in full Sun to part shade.  Persists in dry or poor soils.  Blooms from August or September to October.  Foliage may fade if temperatures are regularly over 90°F.  No serious insect or disease problems.