Common Name: gymnaster
Type: Herbaceous perennial
Family: Asteraceae
Native Range: Eastern Asia
Zone: 5 to 7
Height: 1.00 to 1.50 feet
Spread: 2.00 to 2.50 feet
Bloom Time: September to October
Bloom Description: Pale blue or white
Sun: Full sun to part shade
Water: Medium
Maintenance: Low
Flower: Showy, Good Cut
Attracts: Butterflies
Culture
Grow in average, medium moisture, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade.
Noteworthy Characteristics
Gymnaster savatieri is an erect, rhizomatous perennial that typically grows 1-1.5' tall (less frequently to 2') and features loose clusters of composite, pale blue or white, aster-like flowers (1.5" diameter) and oblong, hairy, closely-toothed leaves. Good fresh cut flower. This plant may also be sold as Aster savatieri.
Genus name comes from the Greek gymnos meaning naked and Aster for the pappusless achenes.
Problems
No serious insect or disease problems.
Uses
Interesting and uncommon perennial for the border.