Boltonia is a native perennial known for its profuse flowering in late summer and early autumn. The small, aster-like flowers are usually white, but the cultivar ‘Pink Beauty’ has lovely soft-pink blooms. This tall-growing plant produces a dense clump of upright, branched stems lined with narrow olive green leaves. ‘Pink Beauty’ boltonia looks great in perennial beds and naturalized gardens. It’s also an excellent addition to butterfly gardens where its multitude of pink flowers provides a fine source of nectar.

Common name: ‘Pink Beauty’ boltonia
Botanical name: Boltonia asteroides ‘Pink Beauty’
Plant type: herbaceous perennial
Zones: 4 to 9
Height: 4 to 5 feet
Family: Asteraceae

Growing conditions
• Sun: Full sun
• Soil: Loam, sandy loam, clay loam
• Moisture: Moderately dry to moderately wet

Care
• Mulch: None, or a 1-inch layer of organic mulch such as compost or pine needles
• Pruning: For more compact plants, cut back stems by about one-third in early summer.
• Fertilizer: A light application of fertilizer or compost in spring.

Propagation
• Division

Pests and diseases
• Powdery mildew may occur on foliage late in the season.

Garden notes
• Its small leaves and flowers give ‘Pink Beauty’ boltonia a fine-textured appearance that’s complemented by large-leafed shrubs or perennials.
• Don’t overfertilize because this results in floppy growth.
• Combine ‘Pink Beauty’ boltonia with ornamental grasses and other late-blooming perennials.

All in the family
• ‘Pink Beauty’ boltonia is a member of the aster family (Asteraceae), one of the largest families in the plant kingdom.  
• “Daisy-like” describes the flowers of many familiar aster family members including zinnias, marigolds, asters, dahlias, and chrysanthemums.
• One of the common names for Boltonia asteroidesis is false aster, a reference to its close resemblance to asters (Symphiotrichum spp.).

Where to buy
• Sunlight Gardens, Andersonville TN; 800-272-7396; www.sunlightgardens.com
• Forestfarm, Williams OR; 541-846-7269; www.forestfarm.com
• Shooting Star Nursery, Georgetown KY; 402- 867-7979; http://shootingstarnursery.com

(Photo courtesy Missouri Botanical Garden)