An aster is a flowering plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family, also known as the daisy family. The aster plant produces beautiful, showy flowers that are often used in gardens and floral arrangements. In this article we will discuss about how to grow and care for Aster….
The name “aster” comes from the Greek word for star, which describes the shape of the flower head. Asters typically bloom in late summer or fall and come in a variety of colors including pink, purple, blue, and white. They are also known for attracting bees, butterflies, and other pollinators to the garden.
Flower
The flower of an aster plant is a composite flower, which means it is made up of many small flowers packed tightly together in a central disk, surrounded by petals called ray flowers. The petals of the ray flowers are typically thin and long, giving the flower head a star-like appearance. The central disk is made up of many small, tubular flowers that are yellow or brown in color. Asters come in a variety of colors, including pink, purple, blue, and white, and the flowers can range in size from less than an inch to several inches in diameter depending on the species.
Plant
Aster plants are herbaceous perennials that grow from a central root system and typically reach a height of 1-3 feet, depending on the species. The leaves of an aster plant are typically green and lance-shaped, with a slightly toothed or serrated edge. They are arranged alternately along the stem and can be up to 6 inches long. The flowers of an aster plant grow in clusters at the top of the stem and are typically composed of many small, star-shaped flowers in shades of pink, purple, blue, or white. The flowers can bloom in late summer or fall, depending on the species and growing conditions. Asters are often grown in gardens or used in floral arrangements due to their attractive and showy flowers. They are also known for attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies to the garden.
Common Name Of Aster
The common name of the plant genus Aster is simply “Aster”. However, depending on the specific species or cultivar, it may also be referred to by a variety of common names. For example, some common names for specific species of aster include:
- New England Aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae)
- Michaelmas Daisy (Symphyotrichum novi-belgii)
- China Aster (Callistephus chinensis)
- Alpine Aster (Aster alpinus)
- Heath Aster (Symphyotrichum ericoides)
These are just a few examples of the many common names used for different species of aster.
Variety
There are many different varieties of aster plants available, with a range of flower colors, sizes, and shapes. Here are some popular varieties:
- New England Aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae): This native American species has large, vibrant purple flowers and grows up to 6 feet tall.
- Michaelmas Daisy (Aster novi-belgii): This variety has a wide range of colors, including pink, purple, and white. It grows up to 3 feet tall and blooms in late summer to early fall.
- China Aster (Callistephus chinensis): This variety is known for its large, showy flowers in shades of pink, purple, blue, and white. It grows up to 3 feet tall and blooms in late summer to early fall.
- Alpine Aster (Aster alpinus): This variety has delicate, daisy-like flowers in shades of blue, pink, and purple. It grows up to 12 inches tall and blooms in early summer.
- Raydon’s Favorite Aster (Symphyotrichum oblongifolium ‘Raydon’s Favorite’): This variety has lavender-blue flowers and grows up to 3 feet tall. It blooms in late summer to early fall and is a favorite of pollinators.
These are just a few examples of the many varieties of aster plants available. When selecting an aster variety, consider the mature size of the plant, the flower color and shape, and the time of year it blooms.
Grow And Care
Here are some general care tips for growing aster plants:
- Location:
Asters prefer a location with full sun to partial shade. They can tolerate a variety of soil types, but prefer well-drained soil that is slightly acidic to neutral.
- Watering:
Water the plants regularly, but avoid overwatering. It’s best to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
- Fertilizing:
Fertilize the plants with a balanced fertilizer once in the spring and once in mid-summer.
- Pruning:
Cut back the plants in late fall or early spring to promote bushier growth and more flowers. Deadheading (removing spent flowers) can also encourage more blooms.
- Pest and disease control:
Asters can be susceptible to powdery mildew, so it’s important to provide good air circulation and avoid overhead watering. If necessary, you can also treat the plants with a fungicide.
- Winter protection:
In colder climates, you may need to provide winter protection for the plants by adding a layer of mulch around the base of the plant to help insulate the roots.
- Division:
Asters can become crowded over time, so it’s a good idea to divide the plants every few years in the spring or fall. This will help promote healthier growth and more flowers.
Propagation
Aster plants can be propagated by division, stem cuttings, or seeds. Here are some methods for propagating aster:
- Division: Divide established aster plants in the spring or fall by digging up the plant and separating the root clumps. Each division should have several stems and a healthy root system. Replant the divisions in a new location or in containers.
- Stem cuttings: Take stem cuttings from the parent plant in the spring or early summer. Cut a stem about 4-6 inches long from the parent plant, making sure it has several nodes. Remove the lower leaves and plant the cutting in a container filled with a moist potting mix. Keep the cutting in a warm, bright location and water it regularly until it develops roots.
- Seeds: Collect the seeds from the dried flower heads in the fall and store them in a cool, dry place until spring. Sow the seeds in a container filled with a seed-starting mix or directly in the garden bed. Cover the seeds lightly with soil and water regularly. The seeds should germinate in 1-2 weeks.
Propagation by division and stem cuttings is faster than starting from seeds, but growing from seeds is a cost-effective way to propagate a large number of plants. Regardless of the propagation method, it’s important to keep the soil moist and provide a warm, bright location for the newly propagated plants.
Common Disease And Pests
Aster plants can be susceptible to several diseases and pests. Here are some common ones:
- Powdery mildew: This fungal disease causes a powdery white coating on the leaves and can lead to stunted growth and reduced flowering. To prevent powdery mildew, make sure to provide good air circulation and avoid overhead watering. If necessary, treat the plants with a fungicide.
- Rust: Rust is a fungal disease that causes orange or brown pustules on the leaves. It can also cause yellowing and premature leaf drop. To prevent rust, avoid overhead watering and remove any infected leaves. You can also treat the plants with a fungicide.
- Aster yellows: This bacterial disease causes yellowing and stunting of the leaves and can also cause distorted flowers. There is no cure for aster yellows, so infected plants should be removed and destroyed to prevent the disease from spreading to other plants.
- Aphids: Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that can suck the sap from the leaves and stems of aster plants, causing yellowing and stunted growth. To control aphids, you can spray the plants with a strong jet of water to knock them off or use an insecticidal soap.
- Spider mites: Spider mites are tiny pests that can cause webbing on the leaves and damage to the foliage. To control spider mites, you can spray the plants with a strong jet of water or use a miticide.
Regularly inspecting your plants for signs of disease or pests, and taking prompt action to control them can help keep your aster plants healthy and looking their best. Happy Grdening….
