Spring Alpine Aster

*Aster alpinus*, the alpine aster, is a compact, clump-forming perennial with narrow green leaves and daisy-like violet flowers centered in dark yellow. Its low profile and early-season bloom make it useful in rock gardens, the front of a sunny border, and containers with sharply draining soil. ## Flowers and size The [RHS profile](https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/1745/aster-alpinus/details) describes upright stems carrying flowerheads up to 5 cm across in early and midsummer. It gives a broad mature height and spread range of 10–50 cm, so plants vary with conditions and selection. The same profile describes flowers as violet with a dark yellow center, supporting that color description rather than pink as a general species color. ## Siting Give alpine aster an open, sunny position and moderately fertile soil that drains freely. RHS lists chalk, loam and sand, and notes that the species comes from the Alps and Pyrenees. It can work in a rock garden, border, patio container or informal planting, provided winter soil does not remain wet. Local flowering dates and hardiness depend on climate, exposure and drainage; the RHS hardiness rating is for UK conditions and is not a USDA zone conversion. ## Maintenance Water after planting and during establishment, especially in dry weather. Remove faded flowers to tidy the clump, then cut old stems close to the ground in late autumn. Divide established clumps in spring if they become congested.