Aster dumosus Marjorie

Aster dumosus 'Marjorie' is a robust perennial. Between August and October, it transforms into a cushion of soft pink flowers with yellow centres, reminiscent of small daisies. The slightly trailing stump emits ramified stems, adorned with lanceolate, dark green and shiny leaves. It has a compact and sturdy habit. Ideal for replacing summer perennials, in pots or borders.

Asters belong to the Asteraceae family, which mostly includes herbaceous plants. Aster dumosus 'Marjorie' is a dwarf hybrid derived from A. dumosus, or New York Aster, native to the eastern half of the United States, from Texas to Florida, Maine and Wisconsin. This 30cm (12in) aster animates the garden in late summer and early autumn, covering its foliage with small pale-pink heads with yellow centres. The bright green foliage is deciduous and composed of linear, entire leaves. It can be subject to powdery mildew.

Aster dumosus 'Marjorie' thrives in sunny or slightly shaded locations in rich and moist soil. It is easy to grow, and its compact habit makes it suitable for pots and planters, brightening up the surroundings of your house. It is perfect for creating charming autumn scenes combined with golden or coppery grasses, tall sedums, and green-leaved heucheras, as well as its orange chrysanthemum cousins. It can also be planted in borders or rock gardens.

The genus offers many species, represented by a multitude of floriferous varieties. They come in all sizes, with an extremely rich range of colours. Each season, there are several species to choose from, including Aster alpinus or A. tongolensis for spring asters, A. amellus or A. frikartii for summer asters, and A. cordifolius, A. dumosus, A. ericoides, A. lateriflorus, A. novae-angliae, or A. novi-belgii for autumn asters.