I planted five ‘Little Carlow’ Asters last Winter, but only two survived Basil the dog’s digging efforts. But those two plants have put on such a show. The correct name is actually Symphyotrichum 'Little Carlow', until recently it was placed in the far more pronounceable Aster family. It is a hybrid between Symphyotrichum cordifolius and novi-belgii, so perhaps the most correct name would be Symphyotrichum cordifolius x novi-belgii ‘Little Carlow’? They had grown very tall and were covered in hundreds of promising buds by the end of Summer, and it was so thrilling when they all opened and there was a sea of pretty mauve stars.
Next year I plan on doing the antipodean equivalent of the ‘Chelsea Chop’ (which is done in May in England) in late November, to keep the plants more compact so that they won’t require staking. The plants I had are too small to divide just yet but I just planted another six plants (purchased from Yellow House Perennials), so I am hopeful of another beautiful, and even more spectacular starry show next Autumn.
