Aster tongolensis Berggarten

Aster tongolensis 'Berggarten' is a compact tufted herbaceous plant which flowers between May and June. The heads of this hardy perennial are large and a beautiful sky-blue with a hint of purple, highlighted by the orange-yellow heart.

Reaching a height of 40 cm (16in), Aster tongolensis 'Berggarten' brings life to the garden in late spring and early summer. Its short stems are adorned with rosettes of dark green oval leaves. Its compact habit makes this Aster the ideal variety to enhance a rock garden. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. You can also plant it along the edge of a border, near orange Rudbeckia and filipendula yarrows, or in a trough or container accompanied by grasses, small Sedums, saxifrages, and wall bellflowers.

Asters belong to the Asteraceae or Compositae family, which mostly consists of herbaceous plants. This genus offers a large number of species, represented by a multitude of flowering varieties. The most well-known are the autumn asters, but there are also those that bloom in spring like this one, and others in summer. Thus, it is possible to enjoy these beautiful country-like flowerings for a good part of the year.