Perennial of the Month-- October 2007 

(ASS-ter  hor-eh-zan-TAL-iss) (pronunciation at link, turn up volume if too low)

Common name: Lady in Black calico/horizontal aster

Family: Aster, Asteraceae (Compositae)

Height x width: 2-3' x 2-3' (less in cold climates or less ideal conditions)

Growth rate, habit: moderate, irregular upright shrub

Foliage: dark purple on purplish stems, many smaller leaves among larger leaves to 4" long and generally under one inch wide, alternate and lanceolate, sometimes coarsely toothed; lower leaves often with stalks and upper leaves directly from stems

Flowers: small white asters (9-15 rays) with raspberry centers in dense, branching sprays; flowers generally 1/4 to 1/2 inch wide; September north to October south

Hardiness: USDA zones 4-8

Soil: full sun north, part shade south or hot climates, less flowering and purple color in part shade

Light: average to dry, well-drained

Pests and problems: none serious

Landscape habit, uses: borders, massed, along walks, woodland and meadow edges, color gardens, butterflies; combines well with black-eyed susan, ornamental grasses such as red-leaved or blue-leaved switchgrass, interplanted with moor grass, New York asters, red-leaved sedum

Other interest: similar to var. horizontalis only more upright stems; more upright than Aster 'Prince';  the species is native to northeastern North America, but this selection is from the garden of Herman Van Beusekom. in Holland; species name from latin words for "side" and "flowers", referring to flowers usually on one side of the stems; latest revision of aster names shows it as Symphyotrichum lateriflorum; deer resistant

Other culture: may need staking under ideal conditions, pinch back by one third to one half in early summer for shorter plants if desired

Propagation: seed, cuttings

Sources:  commercial--large or native plant wholesalers, retail--specialty or complete perennial nurseries locally or online