This perennial dies back to below ground level each year in autumn, then fresh new growth appears again in spring.

• Position: full sun
• Soil: well-drained, moderately fertile soil
• Rate of growth: average
• Flowering period: August to October
• Hardiness: fully hardy
  
  For a long period throughout summer and autumn, this sturdy, neat plant is smothered with large (to 6cm wide) and showy, rich purple-blue flowerheads that have golden yellow centres. One of the best and most reliable asters, this cultivar has a good resistance to mildew. Ideal for adding late colour to the garden, it mixes well with other late flowering perennials such as Rudbeckias, Achilleas and Echinaceas. They also blend well with ornamental grasses for prairie style planting schemes.
  
  
• Garden care: Water regularly during dry spells and deadhead to prolong flowering. After flowering cut the flowered stems to the ground and apply a generous mulch of well-rotted garden compost or horse manure around the base of the plant.