white heath aster Interesting Notes

Aster ericoides ‘Snow Flurry’, now Symphyotrichum ericoides ‘Snow Flurry’, is a compact, prostrate 6-8” form of the straight species that grows nearly 3’ tall. The stems are rigid and cascading, with small stiff leaves, and the ends culminate in a late season display of small white daisy-like white flowers. When not in bloom, the overall effect is much like a groundcover juniper.

While its form is especially new and pleasing, ‘Snow Flurry’ excels in its ability to handle dry soil in full-sun sites. It is particularly well-adapted to rock gardens or any location with lean soils and sharp drainage. However, it also performs in richer soils with less light.

Originally recorded and introduced to England from North America in 1983 by the famous Beth Chatto, the exact origin of ‘Snow Flurry’ is unknown.

An effective plant for late season pollinators, we find ours covered in bees and butterflies in September. It was planted in our south-facing SmartSlope® retaining wall as a landscape plug and watered while establishing in 2015. It continues to thrive in the engineered soils, enduring the extreme exposure with very little protection from winds and cold in the winter and baking heat in the summer. For less punishing circumstances, ‘Snow Flurry’ is a great container plant, spilling gently down the sides of the pot.

Aster ericoides 'Snow Flurry' Growing and Maintenance Tips

Grow in full sun in average to dry soil.