Aster Alma Potschke

Description

Aster ‘Alma Pötschke’ – New England aster

Botanical name: Symphyotrichum novae-angliae ‘Alma Pötschke’
Common names: New England aster, Michaelmas daisy
Family: Asteraceae (daisy family)
Plant type: Herbaceous perennial
Habit: Upright, clump-forming
Pot size: 2–3 litre pot
Eventual size: Approx. 0.9–1.2m tall × 60cm spread
Foliage: Lance-shaped green leaves on upright stems; deciduous
Flowers: Masses of vivid salmon-cerise-pink daisy flowers with golden centres, late summer into autumn (September–October)
Scent: Not notably scented
Aspect / light: Full sun to partial shade
Soil: Moist but well-drained, fertile; dislikes drying out; any pH
Hardiness: RHS H7 (very hardy, below −20°C); USDA zones 4–8
Exposure: Open, sunny; good air circulation
Native range: Garden form; the parent species are native to North America
Toxicity / pet & child safety: Generally considered non-toxic to people and pets

Aster ‘Alma Pötschke’ is a striking New England aster smothered in vivid salmon-cerise daisy flowers from late summer into autumn. Bold, mildew-resistant and a magnet for late pollinators.

GardenAdvice notes

One of the finest of all late-season perennials, this aster (Michaelmas daisy) smothers itself in cheerful daisy flowers from late summer well into autumn, bringing invaluable late colour just as the garden is fading — and a crucial late source of nectar for bees and butterflies. It forms an upright clump and is easy in any reasonably moist, sunny spot. This New England aster (novae-angliae) type has good resistance to the mildew that can trouble Michaelmas daisies, especially if kept moist.

Growing & planting

Plant in spring or autumn in moist but well-drained, fertile soil in full sun to partial shade, with good air circulation — asters dislike drying out, which stresses them and encourages mildew, so reliable moisture is important. Space about 45–60cm apart. Water in dry spells.

Care & maintenance

Low-maintenance. Keep the soil from drying out. Taller sorts may need support, or can be given the ‘Chelsea chop’ (cutting back by a third in late spring) for bushier, self-supporting growth. Cut down old growth in late winter, leaving seed heads for winter interest and wildlife if wished. Lift and divide every two to three years in spring to keep it vigorous and healthy — the key to good, mildew-free plants.

Propagation

• Division: Lift and divide established clumps in spring, as growth begins.

Pests & diseases

Michaelmas daisies can be prone to powdery mildew, especially if they dry out or lack air movement — the new england aster (novae-angliae) type has good resistance to the mildew that can trouble michaelmas daisies, especially if kept moist. Keeping them moist, dividing regularly and ensuring good air circulation are the best defences. Otherwise easy and rewarding.

Uses in the garden

Superb in mixed, cottage, prairie-style and wildlife borders, where their late daisy flowers bring colour and life from late summer into autumn; excellent for cutting and invaluable for late pollinators.

Wildlife value

One of the very best plants for late-season pollinators: the daisy flowers are a crucial source of nectar for bees and butterflies in autumn, when little else is in bloom.

Toxicity & safety

Michaelmas daisy is generally regarded as non-toxic to people and pets.

GardenAdvice tip

‘Alma Pötschke’ is one of the most eye-catching asters, blazing with vivid salmon-cerise daisies late in the season when it’s a lifeline for bees and butterflies. As a New England (novae-angliae) type it’s more mildew-resistant than the old New York asters, especially if kept moist — so give it reasonable soil, don’t let it bake dry, and divide it every couple of years to keep it strong.

Our plants are guaranteed for 24 months for more details Click Here