Aster alpinus - Dunkle Schöne. Aka Alpine Aster, Dark beauty. You will fall in love with this German Hybrid with one of the sweetest looking , mound forming, herbaceous spreading perennial out there. Blooming from late spring to summer, their erect stems and lance-shaped dark green leaves burst out with daisy-like deep purple flowers and yellow centers, it's not called dark beauty for nothing. These cuties will love you back if you can plant them in a sun exposed sheltered spot to protect from high winds. To keep the plant vigorous, it is wise to divide every few years in fall or early spring. This is a long lasting and low maintenance plant that can tolerate heat and humidity, (being mindful to keep adequately watered according to the weather conditions). As the flowers fade, it is advisable to deadhead the flowers before they start forming seeds. Because all perennials are not the same, do some research on your particular plant, as some do have different preferences. Because it is a perennial, it is important to prune and thin out occasionally to prevent invasion of other flowers. This will also help prevent disease caused by being too dense. Popular in cottage and informal gardens, beds and borders, banks and slopes, gravel and rock gardens, cut and dried flowers. Can grow in poor soils, just slower.
 
          25+  seed per pack     
 
Planting Zone: 4 - 9
 
Sun / Partial Shade
 
Height: 10 inches
 
Width: 18 inches
 
Attracts Butterflies and Bees
 
Great cut flowers
 
Resistant to Deer and Rabbit
 
Drought tolerant
 
.