Aster novae-angliae Guido en Gezelle

Aster novae-angliae 'Guido en Gezelle' is a large and beautiful variety of New England Aster that is both disease resistant and excellent for mass planting. This variety produces numerous small, delicate daisies in a deep blue-purple colour, punctuated by a small golden yellow heart that turns purple. Autumn wouldn't be the season of colours without these perennials, covered in butterflies. Vigorous and easy to grow in any good, moisture-retaining garden soil, even in wet conditions.

The Asteraceae family, to which Asters belong, is primarily characterised by the shape of its flowers, known as capitules. This variety, derived from the North American species novae angliae, is particularly resistant to diseases: its rough foliage does not allow pathogenic fungus spores such as powdery mildew and downy mildew to settle. 'Guido en Gezelle' develops into a bush of dark, woody, leafy stems, reaching a height of 1.50 m (5ft). This variety blooms abundantly in September-October. Neither wind nor the weight of the flower clusters will knock down this plant, which remains firmly anchored by sturdy stems. Each flower or capitule, measuring 4 cm (2in) in diameter, is composed of numerous ligules, or petals, in a deep blue-purple colour, surrounding a small centre that transitions from yellow to purple. To maintain a good habit make sure not to overwater your asters, but also avoid intense drought during the summer. It prefers full sun but will appreciate having its base protected by a thick mulch. It is a deciduous perennial, its above-ground vegetation drying out in winter.

The 'Guido en Gezelle' Aster is perfect for beds and borders, to extend the flowering season in the garden into autumn, but you can also place it in large containers with Japanese lanterns (Physalis alkekengi) to brighten up the surroundings of your home. This combination will also be delightful in large bouquets. This particularly sturdy plant will delight less meticulous gardeners as it manages to survive without care, even in neglected gardens. In the ground, create a rural ambience around your asters with other tall perennials (Echinaceas, goldenrods, polychrome spurge) and small bushes.  Adding some evergreen foliage will provide some greenery to accompany the Asters until the end of their flowering.