Aster Peter Harrison

Description

Aster ‘Peter Harrison’ – dwarf aster

Botanical name: Symphyotrichum ‘Peter Harrison’
Common names: Dwarf aster, Michaelmas daisy
Family: Asteraceae (daisy family)
Plant type: Herbaceous perennial
Habit: Compact, bushy, cushion-forming
Pot size: 2–3 litre pot
Eventual size: Approx. 30–40cm tall × 40cm spread
Foliage: Lance-shaped green leaves forming a neat, bushy mound; deciduous
Flowers: Masses of soft pink 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 ‘Peter Harrison’ is a compact, cushion-forming aster smothered in soft pink daisy flowers in autumn. Neat and reliable, it is superb for the front of borders, pots and late pollinators.

GardenAdvice notes

One of the finest of all late-season perennials, this dwarf aster (Michaelmas daisy) forms a neat, cushion-like mound that smothers itself in cheerful daisy flowers from late summer into autumn, bringing invaluable colour as the garden fades — and a crucial late source of nectar for bees and butterflies. As a compact dumosus-type aster it has better mildew resistance than the old Michaelmas daisies, and is easy and reliable.

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 encourages mildew, so reliable moisture matters. Space about 30–40cm apart. Water in dry spells.

Care & maintenance

Low-maintenance. Keep the soil from drying out. 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. As a compact dumosus-type aster it has better mildew resistance than the old Michaelmas daisies, and is easy and reliable.

Uses in the garden

Superb at the front of mixed, cottage and wildlife borders and in containers, where its neat cushion of late daisy flowers brings colour and life from late summer into autumn; 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

‘Peter Harrison’ is a pretty, compact aster forming a neat cushion covered in soft pink daisies late in the season — lovely at the front of a border or in a pot, and a magnet for late bees and butterflies. It’s a well-behaved, fairly mildew-resistant sort; just keep it reasonably moist and divide it every few years to keep it fresh.

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