Michaelmas daisies are beautiful, tough, herbaceous perennial plants that are easy to grow and look after. The daisy flowers are bright and cheerful, which provide a useful splash of colour at the end of the year. Their colours are mainly restricted to pinks and purples, though the range of shades seems almost infinite - they vary from soft pink to nearly red or blue. There are also white forms.

These plants will grow in a wide range of soils, even poor ones, but they do best where there is humus in the soil to retain moisture. Michaelmas daisies can be planted at any time of the year as long as they are watered well before lifting and again after planting.

Aster amellus do not like damp areas, but they also dislike soil that dries out and are likely to suffer mildew in such conditions. Water regularly during dry spells and deadhead regularly to prolong flowering. The stems of these plants don’t normally need support, except in windy areas where they may require staking. The cold shouldn’t present any problems during the winter.

Growing Requirements

Position
While they will grow in light shade, Michaelmas daisies will always do best in full sun. If they are planted under trees or against a north wall, they become drawn and often suffer from mildew. They are best in an open site, where air can circulate freely which will help to avoid mildew problems

Size
Michaelmas daisies vary in size and can reach a height of 1ft to 4ft (30cm to 1.2m) and spread about 2ft (60cm).

Propagation
Propagation is easily achieved by division in the spring. They can also be grown from seed. Sow the seed in spring. Germination can be improved by chilling.

Family: Asteraceae
Genus: Aster