Aster 'Monch'

Aster × frikartii 'Mönch': Endless Lavender Skies

Long-blooming and effortlessly elegant, Aster 'Mönch' covers itself in lavender-blue daisies from midsummer well into fall. Each bloom is large and open-faced, with soft yellow centres that deepen with age, creating a haze of colour that floats above clean, upright stems. Unlike many asters, 'Mönch' starts blooming early and avoids flopping or foliar disease, making it a go-to perennial for consistent late-season colour in sunny, well-drained gardens.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 60–90 cm
• Spread: 45–60 cm, forming a bushy, upright clump
• Flower Colour: Lavender-blue with golden-yellow centres
• Flowering Period: Midsummer to mid-fall
• Foliage: Narrow, dark green leaves; clean and mildew-resistant
• Sunlight Requirements: Full sun
• Soil Requirements: Well-drained, moderately fertile soil

Uses and Benefits: Aster 'Mönch' brings a gentle, extended flush of colour to sunny borders, cottage gardens, and pollinator plantings. Its long bloom time and compact, self-supporting habit make it especially valuable in design—bridging the gap between high summer and true autumn. Excellent for supporting bees and butterflies, it works equally well in formal layouts or relaxed meadow-style combinations.

Companion Plants: Combine with the airy silver plumes of Perovskia 'Denim 'n Lace', the upright green blades of Calamagrostis 'Karl Foerster', and the elegant white blooms of Echinacea 'White Swan' for a fresh, high-contrast planting that glows from July through fall.

Care Instructions: Plant in full sun and well-drained soil. Water during prolonged dry spells, especially in the first year. Deadhead to encourage continued bloom, though this is not essential. Cut back in late fall or early spring. Divide every few years in spring to maintain vigour and shape.

History: A hybrid between Aster amellus and Aster thomsonii, 'Mönch' was introduced by German nurseryman Karl Foerster in the early 20th century. It remains one of the most beloved and garden-worthy asters for its disease resistance, long bloom time, and reliable form.

Final Thoughts: Cool, calming, and long-lasting, Aster 'Mönch' brings a sense of serenity and continuity to the summer-to-fall transition—a perennial that performs beautifully without asking much in return.