{"product_id":"aster-alpha-universe-british-grown-herbaceous-perennial","title":"Aster ‘Alpha Universe’ – British Grown Herbaceous Perennial","description":"\u003cp\u003eProducing masses of cheerful daisy-like flowers from late summer into autumn, Aster ‘Alpha Universe’ is a compact, long-flowering perennial that brings valuable colour to the garden as many other plants begin to fade. Its bright blooms are highly attractive to bees and butterflies, making it an excellent choice for wildlife-friendly borders, containers and patio displays.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eScientific Name\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eAster ‘Alpha Universe’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘Alpha Universe’ is a cultivated variety bred for its compact growth, abundant flowering and excellent garden performance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCommon Name(s)\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eAlpha Universe Aster, Michaelmas Daisy\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eA cultivated garden variety developed from ornamental Aster species, widely grown for their long flowering season and pollinator-friendly blooms.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLight\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eThrives in full sun but will tolerate light partial shade. Plants produce the best flowering display when grown in a bright, sunny position.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWater\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eWater regularly while establishing, allowing the top few centimetres of soil to dry between waterings. Once established, it is reasonably drought tolerant but benefits from occasional watering during prolonged dry spells.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHumidity\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eHappy in average outdoor conditions and does not require high humidity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTemperature\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eFully hardy throughout the UK and will return year after year when planted outdoors.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSoil\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003ePrefers fertile, free-draining soil. It performs best in moisture-retentive soil that doesn’t become waterlogged during winter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFeeding\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eApply a balanced fertiliser or mulch with compost in spring as new growth begins. Plants grown in containers can be fed every 2–4 weeks during the growing season.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrowth Habit\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eA compact, bushy perennial that typically reaches 30–45 cm tall with a similar spread. It naturally forms a neat mound covered in flowers from late summer into autumn.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eToxicity\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eNon-toxic to pets and humans.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Sprouts of Bristol","offers":[{"title":"12cm","offer_id":58526781079933,"sku":"1384747356871","price":7.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"url":"https:\/\/sproutsofbristol.co.uk\/de\/products\/aster-alpha-universe-british-grown-herbaceous-perennial","provider":"Sprouts of Bristol","version":"1.0","type":"link"}