Aster Winston Churchill

Description

Aster ‘Winston Churchill’ – New York aster

Botanical name: Symphyotrichum novi-belgii ‘Winston Churchill’
Common names: New York 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. 45–60cm tall × 45cm spread
Foliage: Lance-shaped green leaves forming a neat, bushy mound; deciduous
Flowers: Masses of vivid, glowing ruby-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 ‘Winston Churchill’ is a striking New York aster smothered in vivid, glowing ruby-red daisy flowers in autumn. Bold and cheerful, it brings rich late colour and valuable nectar for 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 New York (novi-belgii) type it 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 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 New York (novi-belgii) type it can be prone to powdery mildew, so keep it moist, divide regularly and give it good air circulation.

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

‘Winston Churchill’ is one of the most vivid red asters, glowing ruby-red in the autumn border and drawing in late bees and butterflies. As a New York type it can be a bit mildew-prone, 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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