Aster alpinus Goliath

Aster alpinus 'Goliath' is a particularly floriferous variety of Alpine Aster that blooms in late spring and the first half of summer. This low-growing perennial has a woody base. It flowers on short stems, just above a cushion-like growth habit. Its inflorescences in heads are quite large for the species. They display a bright lavender-blue colour, enhanced by a small yellow centre. It is a fully hardy perennial that thrives in rock gardens and sunny borders, in not too dry soil.

Aster alpinus belongs to the Asteraceae family, and its origin is in the Alps, where it grows in the middle mountain stages, among rocks and pastures.

'Goliath' is a horticultural selection with bluer and larger flowers. This perennial exhibits an erect and spreading tufted habit from spring, forming dense and compact mats. It will not exceed 25 to 30cm (10 to 12in) in height when in bloom, and will spread at least 20cm (8in), with a rather slow growth rate. Flowering takes place from June to July, depending on the regions. The inflorescence is a head, with peripheral ligulate flowers that are somewhat purplish blue. The central flowers (the core) are a bright yellow. The heads measure about 2 to 3 cm (1in) in diameter and are always solitary. This aster is a deciduous to semi-evergreen perennial depending on the severity of the winter, with hairy stems. The basal leaves are pubescent, rough on both sides, generally entire, elongated, lanceolate, and dark green. They are sessile (without petioles) and acute. The fruit is an achene topped with a bristle-like dirty white appendage, twice as long as the achene. This plant spreads through underground woody stems.

In nature, it is found in warm and calcareous high-altitude stations, in meadows, in clearings, at the edge of forests, on slopes, and along paths. Use this as inspiration in the garden by planting 'Goliath' in sunny rock gardens, alongside Scabiosa columbaria 'Pink Mist' or Sedum 'Red Cauli', emerging from a carpet of Delosperma 'Kelaidis'. It is also perfect for connecting perennial borders and pathways, or adorning the top of retaining walls. And of course, it is ideal in rock gardens or alpine troughs, or even in pots. This mountainous perennial is undemanding, but it dislikes overly dry conditions.