Snow Flurry Aster
Symphyotrichum ericoides ‘Snow Flurry’Snow Flurry Aster is a low, spreading selection of white heath aster, Symphyotrichum ericoides, a perennial native to much of North America, including Maryland. Instead of the upright 3-foot stems of the wild species, it forms a dense mat only 6–8 inches tall that spreads about 2 feet wide, and wider with age. Stiff, arching stems carry narrow gray-green leaves, and the tiny, needlelike leaves on the flowering branches give it the look of heather or a groundcover juniper.
In September and October, sprays of half-inch white daisies with golden centers cover the mat so thickly that the foliage nearly disappears. Small seeds with white tufts follow and drift away on the wind. The flowers feed bees, butterflies, skippers and moths late in the season, when few other plants offer nectar. The low habit suits rock gardens, path edges, the front of a border and the top of a low wall, where stems spill over the edge, as well as mixed containers.
Snow Flurry grows best in full sun and also tolerates part sun, though heavy shade weakens it. It prefers average to dry, well-drained soil and adapts to clay, gravelly or shallow rocky ground and alkaline conditions. Once established, it handles drought, and its moderate salt tolerance suits beds along walks and driveways. Deer seldom browse it, although young shoots may be nibbled. Its care needs are few.
Care Instructions:
Planting: Plant in spring or early fall in full sun, in an open spot where taller neighbors will not shade or crowd the spreading stems.
Soil: Grows in average to lean, well-drained loam, sand, clay or rocky soil; rich, heavily amended beds are not needed.
Watering: Water regularly through the first season, then only during extended drought; established plants prefer the dry side.
Fertilizing: Fertilizer is rarely needed; a light spring application in very poor soil is enough.
Pruning: Leave the mat in place over winter, then cut old stems back in early spring before new growth begins.
Spacing: Space plants approximately 2–3 feet apart so the mats can knit together into a continuous groundcover.
Maintenance: Pull weeds while the mat fills in, and keep aggressive companions from spreading over it, since shading shortens its life.
Gardeners choose Snow Flurry for a low native groundcover that flowers when most perennials have finished. It holds the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit and earned the top five-star rating in the Chicago Botanic Garden’s aster evaluation. It performs best on sunny, lean sites such as slopes, rock gardens, wall tops and dry edges, where taller plants will not shade it.
Landscape Solutions:
- A dense mat only 6–8 inches tall covers hot, dry ground where lawn and taller perennials struggle.
- Arching stems spill over low walls, rocks and container edges, softening hard surfaces with fall flowers.
- Drought tolerance and adaptability to clay, gravel and rocky soil make it a dependable choice for slopes and banks with little irrigation.
- Late-season white flowers supply nectar to bees and butterflies in September and October, after most perennials have faded.
- Moderate salt tolerance makes it useful along walkways and driveways that may receive winter road salt.
