Quackin Grass Nursery

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note the unusual quilled petals

Aster cordifolius 'Peaks Island' (syn. Symphyotrichum cordifolium) (ex: Cathy Roberts) - Cathy Roberts brought us this unusual form of Broad-leaf Aster sporting gobs of small light pink aster flowers with violet candy hearts. Many petals are quilled (bad syntax but you get the point), a real departure from the typical species which are generally in the lavender-blue range. 'Peaks Island' is clearly pink. In some light there may be a lavender subtone in the pink but overall it is pink. Masses of florets open upon a many-branched inflorescence at and near the tops of stems, the outline mushrooms broadly upon a multiplicity of stems. En masse they form a pink cloud (see the picture). Cathy tells us "'Peaks Island' is beautiful and unique. It will grow tall and flop or remain bushy if you pinch (still likes to fall over with the weight of the flowers). Its children are always reversions to its typical colors." Also known as the Heart-leaved Aster this color variant and heavy bloomer with its multitudes of "pretty in pink" asters open from middle-late September through October and depending upon just how cold the nights become may last into November. Cathy Roberts found this on Peak Island, Maine. We thank Cathy for slogging and delivering a dug up chunk of plant in an old nursery pot from her own garden all the way to us for evaluation. We think it distinct and worthy. The species is an excellent draw for bees and other pollinators looking to all manner of flowers in the very late season. The species is lovely with the late season goldenrods and hardy mums; they are perfect with the latest of late daylilies, warm season grasses and the myriad of berrying shrubs whose bounty grace and enchant in this fine season. Site in part shade, dappled light or bright, open shade in fertile loam. Aster cordifolius found in a large, broad swath originates in central and eastern North America but 'Peaks Island' has been selected in Maine by the sharp-eyed Cathy Roberts... ahh, plant lovers! Established potted Aster from division or cutting.