Aster Crimson Brocade

Description

Aster ‘Crimson Brocade’ – New York aster

Botanical name: Symphyotrichum novi-belgii ‘Crimson Brocade’
Common names: New York aster, Michaelmas daisy
Family: Asteraceae (daisy family)
Plant type: Herbaceous perennial
Habit: Upright, clump-forming
Pot size: 2–3 litre pot
Eventual size: Approx. 80–90cm tall × 45cm spread
Foliage: Lance-shaped green leaves on upright stems; deciduous
Flowers: Semi-double, rich crimson-red daisy flowers with golden centres in 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 ‘Crimson Brocade’ is a New York aster with semi-double, rich crimson-red daisy flowers in autumn. Vivid and cheerful, it brings bold late colour and valuable nectar for 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 York aster (novi-belgii) type can be prone to powdery mildew, so keep it moist, divide regularly and give it good air circulation.

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 york aster (novi-belgii) type can be prone to powdery mildew, so keep it moist, divide regularly and give it good air circulation. 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

‘Crimson Brocade’ gives you rich, semi-double crimson-red daisies in autumn — wonderful late colour and a great late nectar source. As a New York (novi-belgii) aster it can be prone to mildew, so the keys are to keep it reasonably moist, give it good air movement, and divide it every couple of years to keep the clump young, vigorous and healthy.

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