Aster Tongolensis Berggarten, the name of this very fine garden plant doesn’t exactly roll of the tongue.

However, of all the perennials planted in our new garden this past twelve months or so, this one has to be the most eye catching.

*** in our garden ***

Three healthy looking specimens showing flower buds were planted in  a group of three, in an East facing border of the back garden in  April.

They quickly established themselves and by mid May, stunning flowers were being produced. 

The blooms were profuse and the plants were in flower for a good six weeks.

We have been going out of our way to get perennials with a longer flowering period than this, mind you I am well pleased that we didnt miss out on this one.

By the time this Aster had gone over it wasn’t too long until the later perennials started to hide the foliage of this plant. Didn’t seem to do any harm in fact here we are in January and the foliage of the Aster hasn’t died back as yet.

*** plant description ***

The Lilac blue flowers of the Aster Tongolensis Berggarton have a vivid orange centre.  Under certain light conditions the blooms appear to be a pale lilac shade, and at other times they are a vivid pale blue.

The difference can be seen in my pictures and I swear, this has nothing to do with the photo editing.

Its not a tall plant, grows to, perhaps a little over 18in/45cm., hopefully, the spreading habit can be kept under control although it wouldn’t make for any serious hardship.

The plant is described as being extremely hardy, although boggy ground should be avoided.

Sad to say, our soil in Winter is extremely boggy, so we will see what happens in the next few months, I will be sure to add a footnote, good or bad.

Hardiness *** fully hardy

Position *** full sun/part shade

Soil *** average free draining soil on the alkaline side

Propagation *** this plant with a slightly creeping habit is best divided in Spring

Height *** 18in/45cm perhaps a little taller

 

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*** the garden in January ***

To be quite honest there’s not a helluva lot going on in the garden at the moment. Never mind, actually a bit of warmth in the sunshine this morning.

Snow drops and Daffodils beginning to emerge.

  

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Primrose and Viola in tubs at the front of the house

  

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This year I am looking forward to adding a little more interest to our woodland area. Its quite wild and wonderful, I will probably just add some bulbs and woodland plants whilst keeping it bird friendly.

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An evergreen fern looking rather good and the Miscanthus still adding Winter interest.

  

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The black Bamboo Phyllostachys Nigra is developing nicely since planted last Spring.

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After flowering, the Pulmonaria continues to develop new leaves and holds on to them for most of the Winter. Back in Aberdeen this plant lost its leaves completely a month or so after flowering.

The Fennel is already making new growth.

  

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Another Viola and primrose which will be happier come Spring.

 

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The garden birds enjoying the sunflower hearts.

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The evening before taking down the outdoor Christmas lights I took a few pictures of them, probably to the amusement of neighbours, maybe not, this place is like sleepy hollow.

Most of the pictures were normal, not sure what happened to this eerie looking one  which I actually like the best. (is there anybody there)

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