Calico Aster Horizontalis
Symphyotrichum lateriflorum var. horizontale
Branches spread parallel to the ground, loaded end to end with tiny white and pink flowers. A wide, flat cloud of fall bloom on near-black stems.
Typically 1 pint–1 gal · $9–$30 · final price at pickup
- Thu, Aug 138 AM – 4 PM
- Fri, Aug 148 AM – 4 PM
- Sat, Aug 158 AM – 2 PM
Horizontal spreading form with dark stems and white fall flowers -- the architecturally refined version of calico aster.
The horizontal variety of calico aster is the more architectural form -- the branches spread distinctly parallel to the ground, creating a layered, spreading habit that looks almost like a small shrub when fully branched. In fall, the horizontal branches are loaded end-to-end with the characteristic tiny white and pink-turning flowers, creating a wide, flat cloud of bloom rather than an upright plume. The effect is different from the standard form and works exceptionally well as a border edge or groundcover-scale planting. This variety has darker, almost black stems that show clearly against the white flowers and light foliage -- a high-contrast combination that gardens with good fall light show off beautifully. The same excellent wildlife value as the straight species, with a more deliberate and refined structure.
A nursery-grown plant, ready for the ground.
Healthy, container-grown calico aster horizontalis propagated on-site at Hill House from regional genetics. Includes a one-page care card. We make every effort to supply plants as listed; occasionally we substitute a similar species of equal value.
- Sun
- Full sun
- Water
- Average
- Mature size
- 1.5–2.5 ft · 24–36 in wide
- Bloom time
- September–November
- Bloom color
- White, Pink
- USDA zones
- 3–8
- Family
- Asteraceae
- Native range
- Eastern North America, a naturally occurring variety of Symphyotrichum lateriflorum with pronounced horizontal branching
Care notes for calico aster horizontalis.
Full to part shade in average to dry soil. The horizontal branching habit is most pronounced in full sun. Pinch lightly in early July for a more compact form. Cut back in spring. Self-seeds moderately; this variety tends to come true from seed.
Pairs well with these.
Same light, same soil, same wildlife. Janet's picks to plant alongside calico aster horizontalis.
Or skip the guesswork.
Curated packages bundle complementary species for an instant habitat. One reservation, one pickup day, a printed layout map.
Short on Space Package
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Birder’s Paradise Package
For the avid bird watchers and budding ornithologists in our community, the Birder’s Paradise Package consists of species that Hill House Nursery staff and longtime native plant advocates such as Doug Tallamy consider ‘premier bird garden plants’.