Aster 'Little Carlow' (Syn. Symphyotrichum 'Little Carlow' (cordifolium hybrid)): Large sprays of small purplish blue flowers in autumn. Very reliable, easy to grow perennial. Up to 1m.

Aster divaricatus (White wood aster. Syn. Eurybia divaricata): Upright dark stems with a mass of small white starry flowers. Large, oval dark green mildew resistant leaves. Good for shade. Hardy. Up to 60cm.

Aster laevis 'Arcturus' (Syn. Symphyotrichum laeve 'Arcturus'): Clouds of lilac/purple flowers over tall almost black stems. Hardy and reliable late summer/autumn flowerer. Hardy. Up to 1.3m.

Aster novae-angliae 'Purple Dome' (Syn. Symphyotrichum novae-angliae 'Purple Dome'): A more compact variety with sprays of purple semi-double flowers with golden centre. Great late season colour. Loved by butterflies. Up to 60cm.

Aster novae-angliae 'Septemberrubin' (Syn. Symphyotrichum 'Septemberrubin'): Tall sprays of bright purple-red flowers with bright yellow centre in autumn. Very reliable. Great late season colour. Up to 1.2m.