Aster x frikartii 'Mönch' – Frikart's Aster

Aster x frikartii 'Mönch' – Frikart's Aster

This lovely deciduous perennial brings a long season of lavender-blue daisies with glowing yellow centers to the summer and fall garden. The lightly fragrant, 2–3-inch flowers are excellent for cutting and create an attractive display in borders, rock gardens, and mixed perennial plantings. Raised in Switzerland, 'Mönch' is a horticultural hybrid combining Italian and Himalayan aster ancestry, rather than a Himalayan native itself. Its bushy, clump-forming habit and good mildew resistance make it a rewarding, low-maintenance garden choice. Grow in sun to part shade with well-drained soil and moderate to moist conditions. Established plants tolerate some drought, but avoid waterlogged winter soil; excellent drainage and winter protection are especially important at the cold end of its range.

Key Features:

• Deciduous herbaceous perennial with a bushy, clump-forming habit
• Swiss-raised garden hybrid of Italian and Himalayan asters
• Lavender-blue, 2–3-inch daisies with yellow centers
• Lightly fragrant flowers from summer into fall
• Excellent cut flower for fresh arrangements
• Useful in perennial borders and rock gardens
• Deer resistant and tolerant of some drought once established
• Good mildew resistance
• Prefers well-drained soil with moderate moisture
• Excellent drainage and winter protection recommended in zone 5
• Also sold as 'Monch' or 'Moench'

Growing Details:
Height: 1–3 feet | Spread: About 1.5 feet
Exposure: Sun to part shade | Water: Moderate to moist; avoid waterlogging
Bloom time: Summer–fall | Bloom color: Lavender-blue with yellow centers
USDA Hardiness Zone: 5–8