Aster x frikartii Monch 2L

Widely regarded as one of the finest Michaelmas daisies, Aster x frikartii 'Mönch' produces an exceptionally long-lasting display of lavender-blue, daisy-like flowers with golden-yellow centres, held on strong, well-branched stems above dark green foliage. Flowering from as early as July right through to October, it holds the RHS Award of Garden Merit and gives one of the longest seasons of colour of any hardy perennial, attracting bees, butterflies and other pollinators in abundance.

Grow in well-drained, moderately fertile soil in a sunny, open position, though it will tolerate a little light shade too. It's a tough, reliable, mildew-resistant plant that generally doesn't need staking, though stems can flop a little in shade or after heavy rain, so it may benefit from some support in less open spots. Reaching around 60-90cm in height, it forms a vigorous, well-branched clump and benefits from being divided every few years in early spring to maintain its vigour.

A superb choice for the middle of a mixed border, where its long flowering season bridges summer into autumn beautifully, and the blooms cut well for the vase too. Each plant is hand-selected before dispatch.