Great Plant Pick: Aster lateriflorus ‘Prince,’ calico aster

Published 1:30 am Saturday, October 20, 2018

What: Aster lateriflorus “Prince” has foliage that emerges dark purple in the early spring and holds its color all season long. In full sun, the thin-fine textured leaves are almost black and held on upright, strong stems. In late summer to early fall, a profusion of cloud-like starry white flowers blushed with pink and purple cover the plant. This is an easy-to-grow perennial that is disease resistant and drought tolerant once established.

Where: This purple-leaf form of calico aster develops it best flowers and foliage color in full sun and rich well-drained soil.

Size: “Prince” calico aster grows to be 3 feet tall and 3 feet wide when mature.

Care: Provide regular watering especially as the flower buds develop in mid summer. No staking is required. Cut the stems to the ground in late fall to give a tidy look for the winter.

— Richie Steffen, Great Plant Pick