Asters : from double to single flowers!

Papi Jo · August 2018

I planted 3 specimens of aster/Michaelmas daisy 'Marie Ballard' (aka Symphyotrichum novi-belgii 'Marie Ballard') 4 years ago in my garden. On the RHS site, it's described as "a clump-forming perennial with sprays of fully double, light violet-blue flowerheads in late summer and autumn." Actually, it's the first of my asters to flower, from early August. Up to now it used to produce lots of fully double flower-heads, as described above. This year, however, I was surprised to spot one specimen with only single flower-heads on it! I expect this is the result of some mutation (or rather regression) from double to single flowering.

I have not been able to find more info about this phenomenon on the Internet. Has anyone already experienced such phenomenon on their asters?

Image: https://us.v-cdn.net/6030279/uploads/editor/uy/x2lkg28pmj01.jpg

"Normal" double flowers on most specimens.

Image: https://us.v-cdn.net/6030279/uploads/editor/yb/lhhy1uv2s324.jpg

Single flowers on one specimen only.

Nollie · August 2018

Interesting, a bit like a variegated leaf regressing to green? Maybe the bees went on strike and demanded easier access to the flowers

Papi Jo · August 2018

@Nollie,

Actually, the "normal" flowers are not as double as to bar access to their nectariferous hearts. See more pics on my garden site at http://www.rezeau.org/wp-garden/en/symphyotrichum-novi-belgii-marie-ballard-2/

Asters : from double to single flowers!

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