How big does Pyrenean aster grow?

About 60 cm × 60 cm after ten years (height × width). Its ultimate size is 40–75 cm × 30–70 cm.

What soil does Pyrenean aster grow in?

It tolerates these soils: average garden soil, clay, sandy, calcareous, acidic.

Is Pyrenean aster hardy?

Hardy down to -23 °C (USDA zone 6, RHS H7). It gets through winter everywhere at lower altitudes, but may not survive unprotected in a mountain garden.

Is Pyrenean aster toxic to children?

No. Reliable sources list it as non-toxic to children.

When does Pyrenean aster flower?

Flowering: July–October, purple.

How much water does Pyrenean aster need?

Water need: medium. Drought tolerance: medium.

Pyrenean aster

Aster pyrenaeus

Pyrenean aster (Aster pyrenaeus) is a perennial that reaches 60 cm × 60 cm after ten years. Light: full sun. Hardy down to -23 °C. Drought tolerance: medium. Non-toxic to children.

Illustration of Pyrenean aster — An illustration of the typical shape of the mature plant, not a photo.

What it's good for, and what it isn't

A European aster that makes a low, broad, loose mound, covered for weeks from late summer into autumn with large, pale lilac, narrow-rayed daisies with yellow centres; in gardens you will almost only meet the variety Lutetia. It is tough and resists mildew well, which makes it a good choice for the front of a border, for edging and next to grasses and coneflowers. Give it sun and well-drained soil, and water it in long dry spells, because that is when it flowers best.

Watch out for

It resists the usual aster diseases well, powdery mildew included, although a plant weakened by long drought in poor soil can still get it. Its loose, spreading stems may splay open after rain; pinching it back by late June keeps it more compact and makes it flower a little later. The crown can rot in waterlogged soil that stays wet in winter. It is worth rejuvenating by division every two to four years.

Key facts

Light: Full sun
Water need: Medium
Care: Low
Size after 10 years: 60 cm × 60 cm
Hardiness: down to -23 °C
Foliage: Deciduous
Flowering: J F M A M J J A S O N D July–October, purple

Group	Perennial
Light	Full sun
Size after 10 years	60 cm × 60 cm
Ultimate size	40–75 cm × 30–70 cm
Hardiness	down to -23 °C (USDA 6, RHS H7)
Soil	Average garden soil, Clay, Sandy, Calcareous, Acidic
Foliage	Deciduous
Flowering	July–October, purple
Water need	Medium
Drought tolerance	Medium
Maintenance	Low
Root aggressiveness	Low
Suckering	no data
Spreading	Low
Distance from buildings	no data
Distance from paving	no data
Litter	not typical
Planting distance	50 cm
For dogs	Non-toxic (uncertain)
For cats	Non-toxic (uncertain)
For children	Non-toxic
Typical price	no data

Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor.

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 13, 2026 · How our data is made

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