Dwarf Michalemas Daisy

Asters are such an old fashioned flower

they once heralded the arrival of michaelmas or easter

that of course is the northern hemisphere

here it tides the beginning of autumn weather

of nights getting a little cooler

but still hot and muggy days

this little fellow is a dwarf michaelmas daisy

known as Aster novi-belgii "Professor Anton Kippenberg"

presumably after the chap that bred it

Normally easter daisies are back of the border due to their height

but these Kippenbergs are more front to middle of the garden

as they really only get to about 50cm in height

the spread, as with any of these busy herbacious perennials

they can range up to a metre depending on how good your soil is

Best in full sun or only morning shade

tough, dry hardy once established

a lovely cut flower

a delicate background bloom for your heavier blossoms or feature flowers

in bouquets and posies