Aster Lady in Black

Description

Aster ‘Lady in Black’ – calico aster

Botanical name: Symphyotrichum lateriflorum ‘Lady in Black’
Common names: Calico aster
Family: Asteraceae (daisy family)
Plant type: Herbaceous perennial
Habit: Upright, clump-forming
Pot size: 2–3 litre pot
Eventual size: Approx. 1–1.2m tall × 60cm spread
Foliage: Striking dark purple-black foliage on tall, arching stems; deciduous
Flowers: Clouds of tiny white daisy flowers with pink-red centres along the arching stems 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 ‘Lady in Black’ is a striking calico aster with dark purple-black foliage and clouds of tiny white, pink-centred daisies in autumn. Bold, mildew-resistant and superb for foliage contrast and 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 colour just as the garden fades — and a crucial late source of nectar for bees and butterflies. It has dark foliage as a bonus and good mildew resistance.

Growing & planting

Plant in spring or autumn in moist but well-drained, fertile soil, with good air circulation — asters dislike drying out, which stresses them and encourages mildew, so reliable moisture matters. Space appropriately for its size. 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 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. Keeping them moist, dividing regularly and ensuring good air circulation are the best defences. It has dark foliage as a bonus and good mildew resistance.

Uses in the garden

Superb in mixed, cottage, prairie-style and wildlife borders, where its dark foliage gives season-long contrast and its clouds of tiny daisies bring an airy, twinkling late display; excellent 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

‘Lady in Black’ is a wonderful two-in-one aster — dark purple-black foliage all season for contrast, then clouds of tiny white pink-centred daisies smothering the arching stems in autumn. It’s taller and airier than the compact sorts, more mildew-resistant too, and looks fabulous weaving through a border; give it room and it will twinkle with late bees and butterflies.

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