False Chamomile (Boltonia asteroides): Late-Summer Clouds of White and Pink

False chamomile (Boltonia asteroides) is a vigorous perennial grown for its sprays of aster-like flowers, which appear above clean, gray-green foliage. Their vigorous nature makes them suitable for naturalizing. They are also great in the border (and for cutting), but will benefit from frequent dividing to keep in bounds, and may be cut back in late spring for more compact plants.

Noteworthy Characteristics: Produces a profusion of white, lilac, or purplish-pink rays, and yellow disc flowers, on strong stems in late summer.

Care: Cut back in early summer to keep plants more compact and bushier.

Propagation: Sow seed in a cold frame in autumn; divide in early spring.

Problems: Anthracnose, rust, powdery mildew, leaf spot.

Overview

• Height: 3 ft. to 6 ft.
• Spread: 1 ft. to 3 ft.
• Growth Habit: Spreads
• Growth Pace: Fast Grower
• Light: Full Sun to Part Shade
• Moisture: Medium Moisture
• Maintenance: Moderate
• Characteristics: Native, Showy Flowers
• Bloom Time: Fall, Late Summer, Summer
• Flower Color: Pink, Purple, White, Yellow
• Uses: Beds and Borders, Cut Flower, Naturalizing
• Style: Cottage Garden, Meadow Garden
• Seasonal Interest: Summer Interest
• Tolerance: Frost Tolerant
• Type: Perennials