What soil does White wood aster grow in?

It tolerates these soils: average garden soil, clay.

Is White wood aster hardy?

Hardy down to -40 °C (USDA zone 3, RHS H7). It gets through winter in every part of the country.

When does White wood aster flower?

Flowering: August–October, white.

How much water does White wood aster need?

Water need: medium. Drought tolerance: medium.

How much does White wood aster cost?

It sells for roughly €4.70 to €9.20 in local shops, depending on size.

White wood aster

Aster divaricatus

White wood aster (Aster divaricatus) is a perennial. Light: part shade, shade. Hardy down to -40 °C. Drought tolerance: medium. Sold in local shops from about €4.70.

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

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

One of the few asters that flowers in shade: from late summer into autumn its dark, wiry, zigzag stems carry clouds of small white daisies above heart-shaped leaves. It copes with dry shade under trees and shrubs, where it slowly forms a loose carpet by rhizomes and seed. It tends to flop, so shear it to about 15 cm in early summer for a tighter mound, or let it lean on its neighbours.

Watch out for

Powdery mildew can appear where air circulation is poor, and aster wilt may occur in poorly drained clay. It spreads by rhizomes and by seed; cut off the spent stems after flowering if you do not want it to seed around.

Key facts

Light: Part shade, Shade
Water need: Medium
Care: Low
Size after 10 years: 70 cm × 75 cm
Hardiness: down to -40 °C
Foliage: Deciduous
Flowering: J F M A M J J A S O N D August–October, white

Group	Perennial
Light	Part shade, Shade
Size after 10 years	70 cm × 75 cm
Ultimate size	0.3–1 m × 0.4–1 m
Hardiness	down to -40 °C (USDA 3, RHS H7)
Soil	Average garden soil, Clay
Foliage	Deciduous
Flowering	August–October, white
Water need	Medium
Drought tolerance	Medium
Maintenance	Low
Root aggressiveness	Low
Suckering	no data
Spreading	Medium
Distance from buildings	no data
Distance from paving	no data
Litter	not typical
Planting distance	45 cm
For dogs	no data
For cats	no data
For children	no data
Typical price	from about €4.70

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

Sizes and prices available

The same plant is sold as a small pot and as a specimen several metres tall, and the price follows. Prices are rounded and for guidance only.

Size	Typical price
size not stated	approx. €4.70 – €9.20

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 8, 2026 · How our data is made

Appears in these lists

Ground cover plants for shade Ground cover plants Plants for shade Perennials for part shade Perennials for clay soil Perennials for pollinators Low-maintenance perennials

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