New England aster 'Helen Picton'

Grow in rich, fertile, moisture-retentive soil, in full sun if the soil remains moist throughout the growing season, or in partial shade; mulch every year after cutting down in late autumn. Divide every third year to retain vigour and flower quality

Cut stems back close to the ground in late autumn

Propagate by division in spring, replanting only vigorous young shoots

May be affected by eelworm, aphids, slugs and snails

May be affected by fusarium foot rot, leaf spot, grey moulds and verticillium wilt. Has some resistance to powdery mildews