Aster Little Carlow

Description

Aster ‘Little Carlow’ – aster

Botanical name: Symphyotrichum ‘Little Carlow’ (cordifolium hybrid)
Common names: 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: Small, heart-shaped to lance-shaped green leaves on upright, branching stems; deciduous
Flowers: Spectacular masses of clear lavender-blue daisy flowers with yellow 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 ‘Little Carlow’ is a superb, award-winning aster producing spectacular masses of clear lavender-blue daisy flowers in autumn. Reliable, mildew-resistant and one of the very best 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 colour just as the garden fades — and a crucial late source of nectar for bees and butterflies. One of the finest and most reliable blue asters, award-winning and with good mildew resistance if kept moist.

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. One of the finest and most reliable blue asters, award-winning and with good mildew resistance if kept moist.

Uses in the garden

Superb in mixed, cottage, prairie-style and wildlife borders, where its 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

‘Little Carlow’ is widely regarded as one of the very best blue asters of all — an award-winner that becomes an absolute cloud of clear lavender-blue daisies in autumn, alive with bees and butterflies. It’s more reliable and mildew-resistant than the old Michaelmas daisies; give it decent, moisture-retentive soil, perhaps a support or the ‘Chelsea chop’ to keep it bushy, and divide every few years.

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