General Culture:
Easily grown in average, medium, well-drained soil in full sun. Prefers rich soils. Good air circulation helps reduce incidence of foliar diseases. No need to pinch back this dwarf cultivar to control plant height. Plants may be cut to the ground after flowering, however, to prevent self-seeding (cultivar does not come true from seed) or if foliage has become unsightly.
Noteworthy Characteristics:
'Purple Pixie' is a dwarf New England aster cultivar which grows to only 12-18" tall with a vigorous, upright habit. Features a profuse bloom of daisy-like asters (to 1.5" diameter) with royal purple rays and yellow disks. Flowers typically cover the foliage mound with bloom in early fall. No staking is required. Flowers are attractive to butterflies.
Problems: Click for detailed list of pests and problems.
No serious insect or disease problems. Some susceptibility to powdery mildew. Aster wilt can also be an occasional problem, particularly if plants are grown in poorly-drained clay soils.
Uses:
Low-growing habit makes this aster a good plant for border fronts, large rock gardens or as an edging plant. Also effective in butterfly gardens. Mass into large drifts in meadows, cottage gardens or wild gardens.
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Garden, 2001-2009