Aster 'Orpheus'

Tall, dark stems packed with handsome colour. The mauve-blue blooms open freely, and are larger than average. The stamens turn from gold to red as they mature.

Plant Aster 'Orpheus' in borders, cottage gardens or large pots. The blooms are great for cutting.

Asters make a sensational addition to the landscape. They are easier to grow than you might think and the display they provide can be jaw dropping.

Once established the plants don't require a lot of water, or care. Grow in moderately fertile to humus rich, well drained soil. Dig and divide in spring every 3-5 years to maintain their vigour (or save some seed for sowing) as they can be relatively short lived – though they do give a lot in that finite span so it is hard to begrudge them. They don’t like to be cold and wet, so good drainage is important. Watch out for slugs and snails with new foliage.

These plants have excellent mildew resistance and good vigour.

In the language of flowers, Aster's denote love or daintiness. The word, Aster, is Latin for Star. Asters are commonly known as Easter Daisies or Michaelmas Daisies.

Asters have been botanically separated into different genus. The European species remain Aster. The North American have changed into three genera, Symphyotrichum, Eurybia and Doellingeria. We like the old fashioned umbrella name Aster but if you want to be more correct in classification this variety would be Symphyotrichum laevis ‘Orpheus’.