White Heath Aster Symphyotrichum ericoides var. prostratum 'Snow Flurry'
ABOUT
'Snow Flurry' is a charming perennial known for its prolific blooming habit and sprawling nature, creating a blanket of white in the landscape. This ground-covering plant boasts densely packed branches that are finely textured, giving it a delicate and feathery appearance. The leaves of the 'Snow Flurry' are small and narrow with a light green to grayish-green hue that complement its flowering display. The foliage often retains good color even as the temperatures drop, adding to its visual interest in multiple seasons. Its most captivating feature is the abundance of tiny, daisy-like flowers that cover the plant from late summer into fall. Each blossom consists of a central yellow disc, surrounded by numerous slender white petals, radiating out in a starburst pattern. These flowers offer a frothy, cloud-like display that can enliven any garden setting. Their sheer number creates a striking contrast against the verdant foliage beneath, making 'Snow Flurry' a favorite among garden enthusiasts seeking to add a touch of brightness to their planting arrangements. While we're focusing on appearance and not dimensions, it's worth noting that the plant's expansive spread allows it to knit together beautifully in garden beds or when used as a border plant, softening edges and providing a natural, cohesive look. The 'Snow Flurry' can also contribute to a cottage garden theme or serve as a living mulch, filling in space between other plants and helping to suppress weeds. Moreover, as the season advances and the temperature cools, the flowers may attract late-season pollinators, adding another layer of garden activity and vitality. With its easy-going nature and arresting floral display, 'Snow Flurry' is a low-maintenance option for adding long-lasting appeal to any garden.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
White Heath Aster, Snow Flurry Heath Aster, Prostrate White Aster
Common names
Aster ericoides var. prostratus 'Snow Flurry', Aster ericoides 'Snow Flurry', Symphyotrichum ericoides 'Snow Flurry'.
ToxicityTo humans
White heath aster is generally considered non-toxic to humans. There is no widespread documentation of toxic effects following ingestion of this plant. However, it is always possible for individuals to have allergic reactions to any plant material, so caution is advised.
To pets
White heath aster is not known to be toxic to pets. It is generally considered safe when pets come into contact with it. As with humans, individual animals can have allergic reactions, and it's wise to prevent pets from consuming large quantities of any non-food plant as a precaution.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
1 foot [0.3 meters]
Spread
2 feet [0.6 meters]
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Landscape Enrichment: Symphyotrichum ericoides var. prostratum 'Snow Flurry', commonly known as White Heath Aster, adds aesthetic value with its abundance of daisy-like white flowers and fine-textured foliage.
- Low Maintenance: This perennial is known for its hardiness and ability to thrive with minimal care once established, making it suitable for a variety of garden settings.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, the White Heath Aster is capable of withstanding periods of low water availability, which is beneficial in xeriscaped or water-wise gardens.
- Attracts Pollinators: The White Heath Aster is a valuable nectar source for bees, butterflies, and other pollinating insects, promoting biodiversity in the garden.
- Extended Bloom Time: Blooming from late summer into fall, this plant extends the color and life in a garden when many other plants are beginning to fade.
- Erosion Control: The matted, spreading habit of 'Snow Flurry' can help stabilize soil and prevent erosion on slopes and banks.
- Versatility in Landscaping: It can be used as a groundcover, in rock gardens, along pathways, or as part of mixed borders, offering a range of design options.
- Fall Interest: White Heath Aster provides visual interest in the garden during the fall season when it blooms and as foliage changes color in some climates.
- Wildlife Habitat: In addition to attracting pollinators, it can offer shelter and habitat to small wildlife and beneficial insects.
- Propagation Ease: The plant can be easily propagated by division or cuttings, making it simple for gardeners to expand their garden or share with others.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Photography Backdrop: The dense white flowers of 'Snow Flurry' Heath Aster make it a popular choice for photographers seeking a natural, textured white background for close-up photos of insects and other plants.
- Fairy Gardens: Due to its low growing habit and wispy flowers, it can serve as a whimsical ground cover in fairy or miniature garden landscapes.
- Educational Tool: The 'Snow Flurry' Heath Aster can be used in educational settings, such as schools and museums, to teach about pollination and the role of native plants in the ecosystem.
- Artistic Inspiration: Artists might use the delicate structure and color of the 'Snow Flurry' Heath Aster as inspiration for paintings, drawings, and textile designs.
- Nature-Inspired Crafts: The dried flowers can be used in crafting, such as making natural wreaths or for inclusion in homemade paper for a rustic, textured look.
- Photography Prop: Florists or photographers might use 'Snow Flurry' in staged photo shoots to add a touch of natural elegance to the setting.
- Culinary Decoration: Although not typically used for culinary purposes, the flowers could serve as a decorative element for plating in high-end cuisine for special occasions, provided they are free of pesticides and not inherently toxic.
- Winter Garden Design: 'Snow Flurry' can be intentionally planted to mimic the look of snow in garden landscapes, especially appealing in areas that receive little to no natural snowfall.
- Bridal Decor: Its pure white, frothy blooms could be used to create soft, romantic floral arrangements or bouquets for weddings and other celebrations.
- Creature Comforts: The dense matting habit of 'Snow Flurry' can provide a soft lounging area for small pets like rabbits and guinea pigs in an outdoor habitat, as long as care is taken to ensure it is safe for the specific animal.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Heath Aster is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Heath Aster is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Purity: The 'Snow Flurry' heath aster features white flowers that commonly symbolize purity and innocence.
- Adaptability: This variety, being a prostrate form, demonstrates great adaptability by thriving in various conditions, which can be seen as a metaphor for flexibility and resilience in life.
- Patience: Heath asters are late bloomers, often not flowering until late summer or fall, representing the virtue of patience and the reward of beauty for those who wait.
- Tranquility: The soft, white flowers of the 'Snow Flurry' can be associated with peace and tranquility, offering a calming presence in a garden setting.
WaterThe Heath Aster 'Snow Flurry' should be watered deeply and then allowed to dry out somewhat between waterings, as it prefers well-drained soil. This usually means watering every week with about 1 inch of water, but this frequency can be adjusted based on weather conditions and soil type. In hotter, drier periods, water twice a week. During the winter or in cooler, rainy climates, you may only need to water every couple of weeks. Always check the soil moisture level a few inches deep to ensure you're not overwatering.
LightFor the Heath Aster 'Snow Flurry', the best light conditions are full sun to partial shade. This plant thrives with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight but can tolerate some light afternoon shade. The ideal spot would be a garden area that receives uninterrupted morning light and dappled afternoon sun, avoiding the intense midday rays.
TemperatureHeath Aster 'Snow Flurry' can withstand a range of temperatures but prefers a moderate climate. It can survive minimum temperatures down to 20°F, but ideally, it should be grown in areas where temperatures range between 60°F and 75°F. Extreme heat or prolonged periods below freezing can be detrimental to the plant's health.
PruningPruning the Heath Aster 'Snow Flurry' is important for maintaining its shape and health. Prune in early spring by cutting back the previous year's growth to encourage new, dense foliage. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to promote further blooming. Additionally, prune lightly after the main blooming period to keep the plant tidy.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe White Heath Aster requires well-draining soil with a mixture of loam, sand, and organic matter. Its preferred pH range is neutral to slightly acidic, approximately 5.8 to 6.5. A balanced soil mix promotes healthy growth and blooming.
RepottingThe White Heath Aster, a perennial, does not frequently require repotting. It is typically repotted or divided every 2-4 years to manage growth and revitalize the soil. Repot in early spring before new growth starts.
Humidity & MistingWhite Heath Aster thrives in average humidity levels consistent with outdoor conditions. It does not require any special humidity adjustments when planted in its natural environment.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright light, well-draining soil, and moderate watering.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun to partial shade in well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
3-8 USDA
Life cycle'Snow Flurry' Heath Aster begins its life as a seed, typically germinating in early spring when soil temperatures warm. After germination, the seedling emerges and develops a root system and rosette of leaves at the ground level. As the plant matures through late spring and summer, it develops a spreading habit with branched stems and a multitude of small, narrow leaves. By late summer into fall, 'Snow Flurry' produces numerous small, white, aster-like flowers that attract pollinators and can last until frost. After flowering, seeds are formed and dispersed, often going dormant until the following spring. During winter, the above-ground parts may die back, but the plant's root system remains alive, enabling it to resprout and complete the cycle again the next year.
PropogationPropogation time
Early Spring
The most popular method of propagation for the Symphyotrichum ericoides var. prostratum 'Snow Flurry', commonly known as White Heath Aster, is through division. This is best done in the spring. To propagate by division, carefully dig up an existing plant and gently separate the root ball into smaller sections, ensuring each new section has a good portion of roots attached. These divided sections can then be replanted in well-draining soil, spaced 18 to 24 inches apart (approximately 45 to 60 centimeters), and watered thoroughly to establish them. Adequate sunlight and regular watering will aid in the successful establishment of the new plants.
