Aster novae-angliae Ann Leys

The Aster hybrid 'Ann Leys' is a fascinating and strange new variety: its very double flowers have a collar of green bracts surrounding a prominent centre, resembling a pompom or a mini wine coloured palm tree. The entire flower is animated with metallic, silver, copper, or gold reflections depending on the lighting and age of the flower. Robust and very upright, its sturdy stems make this astonishing aster an excellent cut flower, very long-lasting in a vase. This autumn perennial is easy to grow in any well-drained soil.

Aster 'Ann Leys' belongs to the Asteraceae family. It is a somewhat eccentric descendant of New England Asters, from which it inherited its robustness. This perennial displays a compact and branching growth habit from spring onwards. It will reach a height of 70 cm (28in) when in flower, 50 cm (20in) for the foliage, and will spread over 40 cm (16in), with fairly rapid growth. The very generous flowering takes place in September-October. The inflorescence is a flower head (capitule) which does not open out. It is surrounded by a collar of numerous peripheral bracts that are thin and turned outward, coloured green. The central head is very double, and composed of wine-coloured florets, neatly turned outward. The 'flowers', which last more than 7 days in a vase, measure approximately 5 cm (2in) in diameter and have silver, copper, or golden reflections when mature. This aster is a deciduous perennial with thin and sturdy stems. The leaves are entire, small (5 cm (2in)), oblong, lanceolate, medium green, and disease-resistant. This plant spreads through underground woody rhizomes but does not become invasive.

The 'Ann Leys' Aster is highly sought after in floristry because its uniquely charming flowers are particularly long-lasting in bouquets, and bloom towards the end of the season. It will bring a very original touch to flowerbeds, combined with the delicate flowering of Aster ericoides, Aster laevis, and Japanese anemones. It is impossible to imagine our gardens without asters in the borders. Undemanding, they blend very well with all other plants in the flowerbeds, such as Salvia microphylla and Croscomia 'Meteore'. Both cheerful and melancholic, these perennials accompany the return and splendour of autumn foliage. Create a rustic ambience by planting tall perennials and small bushes around your asters, plus some evergreen foliage for greenery that will keep the asters company until the end of their flowering period.