Plant Calculator
Enter the approximate length and width of the area you will be planting and click 'Calculate' to determine how many Aster lateriflorus 'Lady in Black' you will need.
Correct and successful spacing is complex and depends on project conditions. We encourage you to call us at 877-ECO-PLUG for project specific recommendations and further assistance.
Aster lateriflorus 'Lady in Black'
calico aster
- Category: Perennial, Native
- Hardiness Zone: 3-8
- Height: 2-3 Feet
- Spread: 3 Feet
- Spacing: 12 Inches
- Bloom Color: Pink
Who can resist plants with great names? Aster 'Lady in Black' is an elegant 3-4' mound of purplish-black strappy leaves smothered in red-centered tiny white daisies in late summer and early fall. A stronger, more statuesque sister of Aster 'Prince' that will thrive in average soil in sun or part shade, but shows best foliage coloration in full sun. Thousands of flowers per plant—a butterfly's dream!
Green Infrastructure
| • | Woodland |
Plug Type
| • | Horticultural Plug |
Season of Interest (Flowering)
| • | Fall |
Propagation Type
| • | Vegetative |
Additional Information about Aster lateriflorus 'Lady in Black'
Aster lateriflorus, now known as Symphyotrichum lateriflorum, is found across Canada and the central and eastern United States. This species is commonly a woodland aster, naturally thriving in wet meadows, bottomland forests, seeps, and moist, disturbed depressions. ‘Lady in Black’ features striking vertical stems that branch densely as they grow. These plants spread through underground rhizomes and readily self-seed.
Delicate flower sprays appear in late summer and persist through mid-fall. Each bloom consists of a ring of soft pink ray flowers encircling a central cluster of rose-colored disc flowers. The profuse blossoms attract both bees and butterflies!
Growing & Maintenance Tips for Aster lateriflorus 'Lady in Black'
Aster lateriflorus grows best in full sun in average, moist or dry soil. 'Lady in Black' is drought tolerant and adaptable to many soil types. Pinching is not necessary to control habit, but a June cut back to 4-6" results in a shorter plant and more flowers in autumn.