Aster (Symphyotrichum) novi-belgii ‘Winston S. Churchill'

New York Aster Asteraceae

A Michaelmas daisy with a name that suggests it ought to arrive accompanied by a brass band. ‘Winston S. Churchill’ is a superb old cultivar, forming a bushy plant covered in masses of vivid carmine-red flowers with contrasting golden centres from late summer into autumn. Introduced by Gayborder Nurseries in 1950, it was bred by R. Lindsey of Gayborder Nursery and quickly became a popular garden plant. Its relatively compact, branching habit makes it particularly useful towards the middle of the border, while the intense flower colour provides a magnificent late-season splash. A classic Michaelmas daisy with a suitably commanding name.

Height: 70–90cm

Spread: 45–60cm