About this product

Aster alpinus 'Blue'

Aster alpinus

Confirmed format: 9cm potted alpine

Plant Highlights

• Large violet-blue daisy-like flowers with golden centres

• Flowers from late spring into early summer

• Compact habit ideal for rockeries and borders

• Excellent for bees and other pollinating insects

• Easy to grow in sunny, well-drained positions

Overview

Aster alpinus, commonly known as Alpine Aster, is a compact, clump-forming perennial prized for its large daisy-like flowers that appear in late spring and early summer. This blue-flowered selection produces vibrant violet-blue blooms with bright golden-yellow centres, bringing fresh colour to rockeries, alpine gardens and the front of sunny borders.

Its naturally neat habit makes it an excellent choice for smaller gardens, gravel planting and patio containers. Flowering earlier than many other asters, it provides valuable colour at the transition from spring into summer while attracting bees and other beneficial pollinating insects.

Why We Love It

• Bright blue flowers provide eye-catching seasonal colour.

• Compact size is perfect for rockeries and smaller spaces.

• An excellent nectar source for bees and pollinators.

• Easy to grow with very little maintenance.

• Suitable for both borders and decorative containers.

Plant Details

Growing Guide

Position

Plant in a sunny, open position where it receives plenty of direct sunlight. It is ideal for alpine beds, rockeries, gravel gardens and the front of borders.

Watering

Water regularly while establishing. Once established, plants tolerate short dry periods but perform best when watered during prolonged spells of hot, dry weather. Avoid prolonged waterlogging.

Soil

Grow in fertile, free-draining soil. Sandy, gravelly or stony soils are ideal, and incorporating horticultural grit into heavier soils will improve drainage.

Hardiness and Winter Care

Fully hardy throughout Ireland. Ensure good winter drainage to protect the crown from prolonged wet conditions. The foliage dies back naturally in winter before fresh growth emerges in spring.

Routine Care

Remove faded flowers to encourage a tidy appearance and prolong the display. Cut back old stems after flowering if required and divide established clumps every few years in spring or autumn to maintain vigour.

Perfect For

• Rockeries and alpine gardens.

• Front of sunny borders.

• Gravel gardens.

• Patio containers and alpine troughs.

• Pollinator-friendly planting.

Good to Know

Although commonly sold as a blue variety, flower colour may range from soft lavender-blue to rich violet-blue depending on the individual plant and growing conditions. Alpine Aster flowers earlier than most autumn-flowering asters, making it a valuable source of colour in late spring.

Product Information

• Botanical identity: Aster alpinus.

• Supplied in a 9cm nursery pot.