{"product_id":"aster-symphyotrichum-novi-belgii-porzellan","title":"Aster (Symphyotrichum) novi-belgii ‘Porzellan'","description":"\u003ch2\u003eNew York Aster \u003cem\u003eAsteraceae\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAutumn asters can be a little too keen to turn themselves into mildew-ridden heaps, but ‘Porzellan’ has a rather more refined trick up its sleeve. This classic German selection bears generous sprays of semi-double, porcelain-blue flowers, their pale, cool colouring a welcome change from the usual purple-and-pink autumn chorus. Dark stems provide a handsome contrast, while the flowers keep the bees and other late-season pollinators gainfully employed. It can reach around 90cm tall, so give it a little elbow room and avoid planting it where a sprawling neighbour will sit on its shoulders.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRaised by the celebrated German nurseryman and perennial breeder \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eKarl Foerster\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, ‘Porzellan’ was introduced in \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e1972\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. Foerster’s influence on modern perennial gardening was enormous, and this cultivar is a fine example of his interest in extending the garden season with dependable, characterful plants. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGrow in sun or light shade in fertile, moisture-retentive but well-drained soil. Divide established clumps every few years to maintain vigour, and don’t let the soil bake dry in summer. A porcelain complexion, autumn timing and a distinguished German pedigree — not bad for a plant commonly sold under the decidedly less glamorous name of Michaelmas daisy.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eHardiness:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e H6 (−15 to −20°C)\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eHeight:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 70–100cm\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eSpread:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Allow approximately 50–60cm, though it may spread more freely\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eFlowering:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e September–October\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Edulis","offers":[{"title":"1 Litre pot","offer_id":58193653760382,"sku":null,"price":8.85,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"9 cm pot","offer_id":58193653793150,"sku":null,"price":6.15,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"2 Litre Pot","offer_id":58193653825918,"sku":null,"price":11.85,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0799\/6067\/files\/IMG_9279.jpg?v=1791753138","url":"https:\/\/www.edulis.co.uk\/products\/aster-symphyotrichum-novi-belgii-porzellan","provider":"Edulis","version":"1.0","type":"link"}