- Botanical name: Symphyotrichum novi-belgii 'Tonga'
- Common name: Michaelmas daisy
- Family: Asteraceae
- Plant Type: Perennial
- Key features:
- Attractive to wildlife
- Flowers
- Prefers rich soil
Asters are in the daisy family and while some flower in spring, most flower in late summer and autumn, hence their common name Michaelmas daisy. They provide a welcome splash of colour when other flowers are starting to fade, and are an important source of nectar and pollen for late-flying insects.
Symphyotrichum novi-belgii TONGA (‘Dasthree’) (‘Island Series’) is a compact aster, bearing bright purple flowers with a bright yellow centre. It’s ideal for growing at the front of herbaceous borders, and is perfect for growing in pots as part of an autumn container display. For best results plant Symphyotrichum novi-belgii ‘Tonga’ in well-drained soil in a sheltered, sunny site. Cut plants back hard after flowering.
How to grow Symphyotrichum 'Tonga'
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Plant size
45cm height
30cm spread
-
Aspect
South facing, west facing
-
Position in border
Front, middle
- Sun exposure: Full sun
- Hardiness: Hardy
- Soil type: Chalky / alkaline / clay / heavy / moist / well drained / light / sandy
Plant calendar
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Plant | ||||||||||||
Plant |
J
Do not Plant in January |
F
Do not Plant in February |
M
Do not Plant in March |
A
Do not Plant in April |
M
Do Plant in May |
J
Do Plant in June |
J
Do Plant in July |
A
Do Plant in August |
S
Do Plant in September |
O
Do not Plant in October |
N
Do not Plant in November |
D
Do not Plant in December |
Flowers | ||||||||||||
Flowers |
J
Plant does not flower in January |
F
Plant does not flower in February |
M
Plant does not flower in March |
A
Plant does not flower in April |
M
Plant does not flower in May |
J
Plant does not flower in June |
J
Plant does not flower in July |
A
Plant does not flower in August |
S
Plant does flower in September |
O
Plant does flower in October |
N
Plant does not flower in November |
D
Plant does not flower in December |
Divide | ||||||||||||
Divide |
J
Do not Divide in January |
F
Do not Divide in February |
M
Do Divide in March |
A
Do Divide in April |
M
Do not Divide in May |
J
Do not Divide in June |
J
Do not Divide in July |
A
Do not Divide in August |
S
Do not Divide in September |
O
Do not Divide in October |
N
Do not Divide in November |
D
Do not Divide in December |
Symphyotrichum 'Tonga' and wildlife
Symphyotrichum 'Tonga' is known for attracting bees, butterflies/moths and other pollinators. It has nectar/pollen rich flowers.
Attractive to Bees
Does not attract Beneficial insects
Does not attract Birds
Attractive to Butterflies/Moths
Attractive to Other pollinators
Is Symphyotrichum 'Tonga' poisonous?
Symphyotrichum 'Tonga' has no toxic effects reported.
No reported toxicity to Birds
No reported toxicity to Cats
No reported toxicity to Dogs
No reported toxicity to Horses
No reported toxicity to Livestock
No reported toxicity to People