Erigeron Dignity

Erigeron Dignity is a summer perennial that is quite charming, with a long flowering period and large chiselled 'petal-like' heads. Its numerous violet-purple flowers with yellow centres bloom from May to July and contribute to the liveliness of the garden by attracting pollinators. Perfect for romantic or wild settings, it is suitable for a wide range of conditions, as it tolerates all types of soil that are not too dry, even limestone, and is robust and hardy.

Belonging to the Asteraceae family and resembling Asters, this Erigeron Dignity grows to about 50 cm (20in) tall and 50 cm (20in) wide. It is therefore suitable for small gardens, but also complements larger flower beds. Its deciduous foliage is dark green. The lanceolate leaves are rather long, around 10 cm (4in), numerous at the base, and alternately arranged along the stems. At the top of the stems, there are corymbs or clusters of flowers organized into heads. These heads consist of fine ligulate or "tongue-shaped" flowers in a violet-purple colour. As they bloom, they reveal the yellow tubular flowers that form the centre.

Erigeron Dignity is undemanding when it comes to soil. However, it prefers moist, well-drained soil and a sunny exposure to develop quickly. It tolerates temperatures down to -15 °C, can handle limestone and poor soils, and appreciates having its stems cut back at the end of flowering to allow it to regenerate its stump. It is perfect in a group among a collection of grasses, accompanied by Cosmos, Roses, or Phlox. Essential in flower beds, its long flowering period is earlier than that of Asters, providing us with numerous bouquets and colourful flower beds throughout the summer.