Aster ageratoides ‘Starshine’   (PP19403)

Asters are staple perennials in gardens in fall, and they are available in a rainbow of colors. So, what is so special about this new white aster? As landscapers in Europe have discovered: you can’t beat it in truly low-maintenance situations.

Aster ‘Starshine’ looks like a compact pure white garden aster. But it’s like Rambo’s little sister: delicate on the outside, but tough as old boots underneath. It belongs to the Japanese species Aster ageratoides, which is very sturdy and naturally resistant to mildew. After some selections had been made in Denmark, this species has been used for several years in Europe in urban amenity plantings. Pale purple ‘Asran’, which resembles the wild plants, is an outstanding performer in those situations. But Applied Plant Research in the Netherlands bred it to explore the further potential of this species. APR is the institute that also bred products like Agastache ‘Blue Fortune’ and Buddleja ‘Pink Delight’.

Aster ageratoides has wider leaves than normal garden Asters, which means it suppresses weeds well, and can be easily recognized. Its stems are extremely strong. If you’re gardening between the plants and you need to free your hands for a moment, just lay your rake on top of the plants, and it won’t sink in. ‘Starshine’ is a compact plant and will grow to a maximum height of 60 cm in the garden. In pot it will be about 40 cm high at flowering, without cutting or growth regulators. The flowers are up to 3.5 cm across, and pure white with a yellow centre. The first ones open by the end of July, and it will continue flowering to the middle of September.

Why is ‘Starshine’ so suitable for low-maintenance landscaping? Established plants will form a tight clump, making it hard for weeds to germinate in between. Also, the broad leaves make sure there is little light for weeds on the soil. A clump of ‘Starshine’ will spread as it ages, but in a gentle and polite way. Neighboring garden plants will not have to fear an invasion. The clump does not need division to remain floriferous for years. ‘Starshine’ is, like the species, completely resistant to mildew. This also means that the leaf quality is high during flowering. The lower leaves will remain green, so the plant doesn’t look leggy. Once this plant has been established, all it needs is to have its old stems cut back at the end of winter. They will probably still be upright, since even 10 cm of snow will not flatten them. Only if you don’t want the little fluffy seed heads in autumn, you could cut the plants back right after flowering.

‘Starshine’ will grow best on moist but well drained soil in full sun or semi-shade. It is winter hardy to at least zone 6. It will do well in mixed borders and will brighten up shady corners in gardens. But it really shines in public landscaping. It can be used as block planting on its own or be combined with other plants. And it is excellent for edging footpaths. It mixes very well with perennial flower bulbs. That way, you get flowers twice a year, and you don’t have to cut back the leaves of the bulbs after flowering, because ‘Starshine’s new leaves will cover them for you.

Do you want this star to shine for you?

By Concept Breeder: Margareth Hop (Aster ageratoides 'Starshine')