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Pretty white flowers tinged purple with yellow centres appear from the end of summer to autumn. The flowers are produced in flattish clusters hence the common name 'flat-topped aster'. They are one of the earliest asters into flower and each individual flower has petals which tend to curve downwards. A great plant that produces clumps of mildew resistant foliage and easy-to-pick flowers. Butterflies love them too.

• Garden care: Stake with brushwood in early spring to support tall growth. Leave flower heads to dessicate through the winter when they will present an attractive garden silhouette. Also a rich source of food for some or our native birds. Apply a generous mulch of well-rotted garden compost or horse manure around the base of the plant in spring to encourage new growth.