Aster plants
Asters are delightful, cottage garden perennials producing dainty, daisy-like flowers in a variety of bright and pastel colours from late summer into the autumn, just as other summer blooms are fading. Perfect for borders, rock gardens, wildflower gardens or containers, there are plenty of varieties to choose from, many being compact, low-growers with others reaching a metre or so tall. Their plentiful supply of late-season nectar also makes them useful for continuing to attract bees and butterflies into the garden later in the season. Asters prefer a well-drained soil, which helps them to over-winter at their best. Pinch back faded flowers to promote a second flush of blooms.