New York Aster - Winston Churchill

New York Aster
Symphyotrichum novi-belgii 'Winston Churchill'
(sim-fy-oh-TRY-kum) (NO-vee BEL-jee-eye)
Synonyms: Aster novi-belgii, Aster salicifolius, Aster caerulescens

The color of this Aster is contrasting nicely with the blue flowering ones. My only knock on it gets too tall if you forget to pinch it. Mine could have used a few more pinches during the season but I did manage to keep it at about 3 feet. It is very free flowering and spreads quite well, maybe a little too much for some gardens. Best to plant it where you have a little room. The plants should be divided every 3 to 4 years. I always try and locate Aster where they have good winter drainage and full sun.

I finally got my Boxwoods yesterday and that was a relief. I bought them at Valley View Wholesale Greenhouses in South Salem, NY. Carolyn helped my out in the yard. She is one hard working woman. She helped me get the presale pricing which I greatly appreciated. Melissa helped me figure out my delivery and all the figures, not showing any impatience with my endless questions and giving her usual great customer service. They are having a big sale starting on the 15th of this month if you need perennials or other nursery stock in Westchester County check them out. Don’t try and buy the sixteen tagged 42-inch Common Boxwood, though, those are mine. I also got some Goatsbeard (Aruncus dioicus) and some Variegated Brunnera and a couple of 48 inch Blue Hollies. I have to go back today and pay for everything.

Since it is Friday and I am thankful for that even though I going to Long Island to buy more plants tomorrow here is a bonus picture. A nice pink mum, which was in full bloom. There was no tag so I don’t know which cultivar it is but it was pretty.