By Kate Chinnick

Aster amellus (Italian aster)

Native of eastern half of Europe and Turkey
• Grows to 45 – 60 cm
• Evergreen perennial
• Leaves are oblong and dark green
• Spreads from underground rhizomes
• Attractive spikes of small daisy shaped flowers, pink, blue or purple
• Very hardy and easily grown in sun or part shade
• Propagate from division in spring or late autumn
• Many popular cultivars available