Aster ericoïdes Schneegitter - Heath Aster

The Aster ericoides 'Schneegitter' dazzles with its abundance of delicate white flowers that it produces in late summer on a well-branched plant, creating a hazy effect. Its foliage of narrow apple green needles is equally attractive. This very vigorous aster dresses up a naturalistic border or mixed border with light just as the garden gradually prepares for winter. It requires little care and watering, and even though it reaches a good height, its sturdy branches allow it to do without staking.

The Aster ericoides, now renamed Symphyotichum ericoïdes, belongs to the large family of Asteraceae. This botanical species is native to the eastern and central United States, as well as northern Mexico. 'Schneegitter' shows exceptional growth and vitality, quickly reaching 90 cm to 1 m in height and 70 cm in width. The flowering lasts for two months, from late August or early September to late October. The thin, flexible but strong and well-branched stems are covered with tiny white flower heads with yellow centres, measuring less than 1 cm in diameter, much appreciated by butterflies. The tender green foliage is very fine, composed of small pointed and lanceolate leaves. Once the flowering is finished, the stems dry out. However, many small leaves appear at the base of this aster. They will persist throughout the winter.

This beautiful variety of Aster ericoides or heath aster is easy to grow and thrives in ordinary soil, neither too rich nor too poor, moist to occasionally dry. It is an aster that appreciates the sun, but also grows in the edge of woodland, in partial shade. Its mist of small white flowers beautifully highlights late summer roses and pairs well with autumn-flowering perennials such as echinaceas, stonecrops, perennial geraniums, salvias, and other asters of various sizes and stature, accompanied by tall grasses such as Miscanthus or Calamagrostis. It makes an excellent cut flower and lightens up more massive blooms.