With daisy like flowers, in late in fall Boltonia asteroides comes to the fore in the garden. Five species in the Boltonia genus they are native to New England the eastern USA. The species and the cultivars differ greatly with some lower growing types now available.
These are a perennial that spread by rhizomes, they will spread to form a large clump over time. Excellent in the cottage garden. Flowering in late summer to early fall they add great color to the garden with masses od daisy like flowers.
Although they are regarded as drought tolerant, in dry conditions you will find that they do not flower as well and growth will be stunted, however still a very useful plant for dry areas.
The sought after variety is B.asteroides var. latisquama, larger flowers and more prolific blooms, widely used in hybridisation.
Care
The species are a vigorous plant that can reach a height of 6ft. They do like full sun. In shade they tend to sprawl a little and become more ‘leggy’.
You can either prune them back to make a more compact bushy habit or perhaps just plant them in poor soil are best. Why poor soil ? This prevents than from growing to tall.
Pruning
Many gardeners like to cut them back in the summer, before they flower, this creates a more compact low growing plant. Make sure you do this early enough to allow the plants to set flower heads. Choose a cool period and water well after pruning back.
Cut back in late winter to spring as the
Boltonia Varieties
- Boltonia asteroides ‘Jim Crockett’ is a much more compact variety that requires no staking. It will only reach around 2 feet in height. Violet flowers with yellow centres. Best in poorer soils.
- Boltonia asteroides ‘Snowbank‘ the white flowering variety however pink and purple types are also available. Masses of snowy white flowers will cover the bush in fall. Use in the border, or perhaps plant in a row as a hedge. Excellent for cut flowers late in the season when nothing much else is flowering.
- Boltonia asteroides ‘Pink Beauty’
Propagation
- Propagation is by digging and dividing established clumps.
- You can also grow from seeds sown into trays or flats in early spring and placed in a cold-frame.
Where to buy
BLUESTONE PERENNIALS
Offering a wide selection of bulbs, perennials, grasses, herbs trees and shrubs.
www.bluestoneperennials.com
