Aster
( ASS - ter )
At-A-Glance InformationThese perennial flowering plants need full sun and regular water. Their bright blooms attract butterflies. This genus includes over 600 species that range in size, flower color, foliage, and habit. Flowers can come in blue, red, pink, lavender, or purple, and mostly have yellow centers. They bloom in late summer to fall.
|
ASter Species and Varietals
Aster growing zones vary by species; for more information, see the descriptions below. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.
Aster x frikartii Best in zones 2b-24; One of the most widely adapted species of Aster. Forms a loose mound 2 feet tall and wide, with dark green leaves and sprays of lavender to violet-blue single flowers that are excellent for cutting. Blooms from summer to fall in most areas, though will bloom year-round in places with mild climates if flowers are dead-headed regularly. This species attracts bees. Varieties include 'Monch' and 'Wunder con Stafa' ('Wonder of Staffa'). |
Aster lateriflorus These Asters grow best in zones 1-10 and 14-21 and are native to North America. To 4 feet tall and 1 foot wide. Flowers are purple-pink, and the branching habit is arching and profuse. In early fall, foliage will turn a coppery purple-red color. Needs partial shade. Varieties include 'Lady in Black' and 'Prince', both of which have black-purple stems and leaves and white blooms with red centers. |
Aster maackii Named for Russian naturalist Richard Maack, this species was first described in 1861 by Eduard August von Regel. These plants produce light purple daisy flowers. |
Aster novae-angliae (New England Aster)
Grows best in zones 1-24 and native to Vermont to Alabama, west to North Dakota, Wyoming and New Mexico. Grows 3-5 feet tall and as wide, and has violet-blue flowers, though varieties of the species has flowers in blue, white, pink, reddish, and deep purple. These plants are tolerant of wet soils, where they will freely reseed, and enjoy full sun to partial shade. Varieties are outlined below.
Grows best in zones 1-24 and native to Vermont to Alabama, west to North Dakota, Wyoming and New Mexico. Grows 3-5 feet tall and as wide, and has violet-blue flowers, though varieties of the species has flowers in blue, white, pink, reddish, and deep purple. These plants are tolerant of wet soils, where they will freely reseed, and enjoy full sun to partial shade. Varieties are outlined below.
Aster novae-angliae 'Alma Potschke'
Salmon-colored single-blooms on 2-4 foot tall stems flower from late summer to early fall. |
Aster novae-angliae 'Harrington's Pink'
Clear pink single-flowers bloom on 3-4 foot tall stems over the fall season. |
Aster novae-angliae 'Purple Dome'
Mildew-resistant variety with bright purple flowers. Compact grower (1.5 feet tall). |
Aster novi belgii (New York Aster, Michaelmas Daisy)
Grows best in zones 1-24 and is a native to eastern North America. Gets to 4 feet tall and 3 feet wide. Blue-violet clusters of flowers contrast with smooth green leaves. Many different varieties are available for purchase, with flower colors that range from white, cream, and blue to lavender, purple, rose and pink. Varietals are outlined below.
Grows best in zones 1-24 and is a native to eastern North America. Gets to 4 feet tall and 3 feet wide. Blue-violet clusters of flowers contrast with smooth green leaves. Many different varieties are available for purchase, with flower colors that range from white, cream, and blue to lavender, purple, rose and pink. Varietals are outlined below.
'Alert'
Has ruby red, semi-double flowers. 1 foot tall, 1.5 feet wide. |
'Jenny'
Double, purple-red flowers. 1 foot tall, 1.5 feet wide. |
'Little Pink Beauty'
Soft pink, semidouble flowers. 1 foot tall, 1.5 feet wide. |
'Prof. Anton Kipppenberg'
Lavender-blue, semidouble flowers. 1 foot tall, 1.5 feet wide. |
'Snowsprite'
White flowers open from pink buds, 1 foot tall, 1.5 feet wide. |
'Audrey'
14 inches tall and a little wider. Lavender-blue flowers. |
'Farmington' ('Baldco')
1.5 feet tall and 2 feet wide, mildew-resistant with lilac flowers. |
'Patricia Ballard'
2.5-3 feet tall and 2 feet wide with dark pink flowers. |
'Apple Blossom'
Pink flowers, grows to about 3 feet tall and wide. |
'Marie Ballard'
Pale blue, double flowers, gets to 3 feet tall. |
'Winston S. Churchill'
Dark red flowers that are semi-double. The plant gets to around 3 feet tall and wide. |
'Climax'
Large sprays of medium-blue blossoms on 6-foot tall stems. |
Caring for Aster
Asters will adapt to most soil types, but growth is best in fertile soil amended with organic matter. For best growth and bloom, amend soil around the plant site before setting the plant in. Taller types of asters can be cut back to encourage bushier growth. Divide yearly in late fall or early spring, tossing the inner growth in the compost bin in favor of the newer, younger outer plants. Less vigorous asters can be divided once every two years.
Propagation
Problems and Pests
Gallery
Videos
A video all about growing camellias successfully
|
Propagating camellias
|
Resources
The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Pages 000 - 000, Name
If you have any questions, comments, concerns, or photos you’d like to add to the gallery, please let me know by sending me a message using the button below!