Aster flower is a beautiful perennial that brings joy to gardens from late summer to autumn with its bright, star-shaped flowers. A member of the extensive Asteraceae family (daisies and sunflowers), the aster flower was named after the Greek word for “star” – a fitting name for its shining, starry petals. Asteroids have hundreds of species and thousands of varieties, and they can be purple, blue, pink, white, or red. They are prized for their colour, as well as for their capacity to draw pollinators to the garden after other flowering plants have died off.
Why Grow Aster Flower?
The aster flower is a great addition to any garden. For one, they flower when most other plants are winding down. When other flowers are dying, asters begin to bloom, offering an important late summer source of nectar. Second, asters are very resilient and easy to grow. They generally flourish in zones 3-8, tolerate winter cold, and are perennials. They’re versatile and can be grown in borders, meadows, cottage gardens,s and containers.
Popular Types of Aster Flower
There are a number of excellent aster flowers to choose from:
- New England Aster – Tall (3-6 feet) and purple or pink flowers. Very cold-tolerant.
- New York Aster – Shorter (1-3 feet) with larger flowers in blue, purple, and Wood’s.
- Wood’s Purple Aster – Compact (12-18 inches) with purple flowers, ideal for smaller gardens.
- Heath Aster – Miniature white flowers with fine stems, resembling a cloud in autumn.
- ‘Monch’ Aster – Award-winning lavender-blue flowers with a very long blooming season.
How to Plant Aster Flower
Properly planting aster flowers, they’ll grow strong and produce beautiful flowers.
Location and Soil
Plant in a location that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight a day. In hot areas, afternoon shade is desirable. Asteroids grow best in fertile, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0. Don’t plant in low, wet areas where roots can rot.
Planting Time
Best to plant in spring after the frost, or early fall at least six weeks before the first frost. Planting in spring allows roots to get established before it gets hot.
Planting Steps
Make a hole two times wider than the root ball and as deep as the root ball.
Untangle the roots and remove the plant from the pot.
Set the plant in the hole with the top of the root ball even with the ground.
Add soil, firming to eliminate air pockets.
Water deeply.
Plant 1-3 feet apart, depending on the species.
Caring for Aster Flower. The aster
The aster flower is low maintenance.
Watering
Keep well-watered in the first year. Adult asters require one inch of water each week. Be sure to water at the base of the plant to avoid powdery mildew, a fungal disease.
Fertilizing
Fertilize with a slow-release balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) in early spring. Do not use high-nitrogen fertilizers; they will result in weak growth and fewer flowers. Don’t fertilize after mid-summer.
Pruning and Pinching
Towards the end of spring (May or June), pinch back the tips of stems by one-third. This will promote branching and more flowers. Remove faded flowers to prolong blooms. In fall, after the first frost, prune back to a few inches above ground.
Staking
Stakes may be required for tall varieties (more than three feet) to avoid flopping over. Set up stakes or grids in early summer, while plants are still small.
Common Problems and Solutions
Aster flower is generally a trouble-free plant, but be aware of:
- Powdery Mildew – White powdery spots on leaves. Avoid by spacing plants and watering at the base.
- Aster Yellows – Misshapen, green flowers due to leafhoppers. No cure – destroy affected plants.
- Aphids – small sucking insects. Spray with water or insecticidal soap.
Propagating and Overwintering
Every two or three years in early spring, divide aster flower clumps to encourage new growth, avoid overcrowding,g and ensure good growth. Lift the clump, divide it into smaller clumps with roots, and replant.
In winter, once the soil has frozen, add 2-4 in (5-10 cm) of mulch (straw or leaf mulch) around the plant. Take mulch off in early spring when it begins to emerge.
Symbolism and Uses
Asters are a symbol of patience, grace, and love. Asters were forged from the tears of the Greek goddess Astraea. They are the birth flower for September. Asters are great cut flowers, holding up for up to 10 days. Asters are natural magnets for pollinators – providing a valuable food source for bees, butterflies, and other insects.
gardener’s
The aster flower is a gardener’s delight for those looking for its floral beauty to the fall. They’re simple to plant, tough and gorgeous, and the star-shaped flowers will give your garden a finishing flourish. Plant, care for, and divide your aster flower as needed, and it will reward you with more and more beauty each year. Whether it’s New England or alpine varieties, the aster flower will transform your garden into a constellation of stars until the first snowfall.
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