Aster "Alpha Dark Purple Launch"

Yes this is a strange name for a plant, but I read the large plastic label and the sticky one of the pot, in fact numerous pot, but that is what they all said.Digging deeper when I got home it seems it is Symphyotrichum dumosus.

S dumosus is a native of N America and grows to 1m (3.25ft).  This variety is however "compact" reaching the heady heights of 30cm (1ft).  This produces a dome of flowers.  English names include Rice Button Aster and Bushy Aster.

As you might have guessed this was blipped on one of our regular Coffee, Cake and garden centre afternoons while out with Kanyl.