Aster lateriflorus ‘Prince’ – Late-Season Colour with Striking Foliage

The Aster lateriflorus ‘Prince’ is a distinctive and reliable perennial that combines attractive foliage with a long season of charming flowers. Unlike many asters, this variety is grown as much for its dark, dramatic leaves as for its blooms. The deep purple-bronze foliage provides a striking contrast throughout the summer, before clouds of tiny, daisy-like flowers appear in late summer and autumn.

From August through October, the plant is covered in sprays of small white daisies with reddish-pink centres, creating a frothy, cloud-like effect that looks stunning in mixed borders. Its compact, upright habit and healthy foliage make it a great choice for adding structure and late-season colour to the garden.

General Information

Aster lateriflorus ‘Prince’ is part of the aster family, a group of plants renowned for their autumn display of starry blooms. This variety stands out for its foliage and flower combination.

• Habit: Upright, bushy perennial with strong stems.

• Height & spread: Typically grows 60–90cm tall and 50–60cm wide.

• Foliage: Deep purple-bronze leaves hold their colour through the season.

• Flowers: Tiny white daisies with rosy-red centres; produced in large sprays along the stems.

• Flowering season: Late summer to autumn (August to October).

• Position: Best in full sun for the richest foliage colour and best flowering.

• Soil: Fertile, moist but well-drained soil; tolerates clay, chalk, or sandy conditions.

• Hardiness: Fully hardy across the UK and Ireland, withstanding cold winters.

• Uses: Perfect for borders, prairie-style plantings, cottage gardens, or as a backdrop to late-flowering perennials.

Its combination of dark foliage and airy flower sprays makes it particularly effective in mixed plantings where it can complement both bold and delicate companions.

Care Guide

Aster lateriflorus ‘Prince’ is hardy, low-maintenance, and very rewarding with a little seasonal care.

Planting

• When to plant: Best planted in spring or autumn when the soil is moist and workable.

• Depth & spacing: Plant at the same depth as in the pot; space 45–60cm apart to allow clumps to spread naturally.

• Preparation: Improve soil with compost before planting; ensure adequate drainage.

Watering & Feeding

• Water regularly in the first year to establish roots.

• Once mature, it is fairly drought-tolerant but performs best with consistent moisture.

• Feed in spring with a balanced fertiliser to encourage healthy foliage and strong flowering.

Pruning & Maintenance

• Deadhead spent flowers to extend the blooming season and keep plants tidy.

• Cut stems back to ground level in late autumn or early spring before new growth starts.

• Every 3–4 years, divide clumps in spring to maintain vigour and prevent overcrowding.

• Mulch annually with compost to conserve moisture and enrich the soil.

Protection

• Fully hardy, requiring no special winter protection.

• Strong stems resist flopping, but taller clumps may benefit from staking in exposed sites.

• Rarely troubled by mildew, making it healthier than many older asters.

Why Choose Aster lateriflorus ‘Prince’?

This unique aster is ideal for gardeners looking for a perennial that delivers both foliage interest and a late-season flower display.

• Striking foliage: Deep purple-bronze leaves add drama and contrast all summer.

• Late-season flowers: Masses of dainty white daisies with rosy centres brighten borders from August to October.

• Compact habit: Upright and bushy, fitting well into smaller gardens.

• Wildlife-friendly: Flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.

• Low-maintenance: Hardy, healthy, and easy to grow.

The Aster lateriflorus ‘Prince’ is a reliable, colourful, and versatile perennial that shines in late summer and autumn. With its attractive foliage and clouds of starry blooms, it brings lasting beauty and structure to borders, prairie plantings, or cottage-style gardens.

We currently only deliver within the island of Ireland, other countries can be quoted for by contacting [email protected] or via telephone on 06964084
 

Standard Delivery is FREE on orders over €250*

All standard deliveries will be completed within 5-7 working days via Fastway Couriers, any delay to this delivery time, the customer will be notified by One of our staff.

The in-Store delivery charge will vary compared with online, in-store delivery charge is done on a case by case basis. 

* Only mainland Ireland addresses qualify for free delivery.
 

Live Plants Delivery

Our live plants are packed with care and diligence by our staff, our horticulturists review each plant before despatch to ensure quality is maintained.
Live Plant delivery charges are not calculated on weight but on the space required per package to ensure safe delivery, so delivery charges may vary as some plants require more space than others when packed.
All live plants are despatched within 3-5 working days where possible, our couriers aim to deliver within 48 hours of despatch from our Garden Centre to allow the plant to arrive in healthy condition.
 

Click & Collect

Can’t wait for delivery? Why not try our FREE Click & Collect service? Simply make your purchase online and collect it from our store located in Croagh Co. Limerick. Our staff will contact you by phone when your order is ready for collection (Please allow 24 hours minimum). When collecting your item, call the store on 069-64084. We will then load into your car as required. This service is available in-store 9am – 6pm Monday – Saturday (No collections on Sundays)

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