The new is aster diveraticus, which was one of two plants that I bought on a recent trip to North Wales. Strictly speaking it is not new as I have grown it before but somehow or the other I managed to polish it off. This is a woodland plant with attractive wiry ebony stems topped by panicles of small white daisies. As the flowers age the tips of the petals take on a lilac/mauve tinge. I believe that it will tolerate dry shade as well as moist but I have not tested the former conditions out ~
My other holiday purchase was actaea simplex 'Black Negligee' - the name makes me cringe but I do like the deliciously dark leaves which you can see in the bottom photo. I must wither and get these planted today whilst the ground is still warm ~ now where did I leave my trowel?
I love that little white aster. While you're looking for your trowel could you find my hand fork please, it's been hiding from me for weeks now!
ReplyDeleteSu
I love Little Carlow, and it certainly seems happy where it's been planted. It's nice to have so much colour around at this time of year when many things are dying down.
ReplyDeleteI planted three 'Little Carlow' just last week.
ReplyDeleteApart from it's obvious merits, I'm led to believe it's mildew free.
The actaea simplex 'Black Negligee' is a new one on me. Must google it.
Hope the soil stays warm and the frost keeps away.
I love asters!
ReplyDeleteAsters are one of those plants I haven't had much to do with over the years. I do like your Little Carlow - perhaps it is time to check them out at the garden centre.
ReplyDeleteYour Little Carlow have a great colour, and doen't stint on the flowers either. I love the wall of purple/blue effect.
ReplyDeleteI planted an Actaea 'Brunette' this year, which has slightly lighter purple leaves, and a more demure name to match. It's not as dramatic looking as 'Black Negligee', so I guess it's good that they didn't call it 'Flannel Pyjamas'.
Hi Anna, I love the wiry black stems of your little white aster. The flowers look suspended above the plant - very pretty.
ReplyDeleteDon't you just love October. :)
I think you just convinced me to go ahead and find myself an Aster divaricatus - I saw it in an article by Carol Klein recently, and your photos just reinforced the sense that here is a graceful plant I just must have. I tend to find a lot of asters too stumpy and rigid, but that one looks beautiful.
ReplyDeleteAnna I would love to have some sunshine so that I could photograph mine too. Is't it great that they don't need staked. Your clumps look really substantial. I must look out for that actaea simplex as I love dark foliage like you ....... I wonder whoever it was that gave it such a name like that!
ReplyDeleteHi Anna - it's good to be back! I love those asters - it's a plant I've never grown yet - must try it!
ReplyDeleteI am intrigued with the aster diveraticus. it is a beautiful plant and sounds like it might grow well here, though I will have to do some research. I would love to have it in my woodland garden. I also very much want asters that don't need staking. Mine are flopping all over.
ReplyDeleteLovely! In spite of the unfortunate name, I do love the Actaea as well ;-)
ReplyDeleteIts so nice to see colour at this time of year Anna - your Little Callow is lovely.
ReplyDeleteI will be seeking out diveraticus for my shady 'woodland' garden - its gorgeous!
Jeanne
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'Little Carlow' is a beautiful mass of blooms! Not needing to be staked would definitely be a plus for me, too, as most of my asters tend to flop over in the first strong breeze.
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