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Great Design Plant: Aster
Putting on a spectacular show in fall, asters in a rainbow of colors and a range of sizes are a versatile fit for any garden
Houzz Contributor. Hi There! I currently live in a 1920s cottage in Atlanta that I'll describe as "collected."
I got into design via Landscape Architecture, which I studied at the University of Virginia. I've been writing about design online for quite a few years over at Hatch: The Design Public Blog.
Houzz Contributor. Hi There! I currently live in a 1920s cottage in Atlanta... More »
The lack of flowers blooming in the garden in the fall can be a real bummer, but as I write this in August, you've got time to plant some autumn bloomers. Asters come in a range of stunning colors, particularly pinks and purples, and there are more than 600 known species to choose from. Plant these in your existing perennial gardens, create a border garden or add them to a wildflower meadow mix to keep your garden blossoming and colorful well into fall.
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| Botanical name: Aster spp Common name: Aster, michaelmas daisy, starwort, frost flowers USDA zones: 3 to 8 (find your zone) Water requirement: Although somewhat drought tolerant, asters do best in well-drained soil. Light requirement: Full sun to partial shade Mature size: Ranges from 4 inches high (dwarf varieties) to 4 feet high Benefits and tolerances: Asters can be susceptible to quite a few problems; choose a disease-resistant variety. Seasonal interest: Blooms in the fall When to plant: Early fall or after the last frost of winter |
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| Distinguishing traits: The aster was named after the Greek word for "star," due to the flower's star-like shape. It has a bright yellow center that is made up of tiny flowerets. The flowers range from about 1/2 inch to about 3 inches in diameter. Because there are so many different species, the size of the plant varies from dwarf to tall. The flowers vary in size too and come in colors that include white, purple, pink and red. Most aster plants have soft, mounded shapes. They attract butterflies. |
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| How to use aster in the garden: Aster is a versatile plant that works well in all types of gardens, including borders, perennial gardens, butterfly gardens and rock gardens. It also adds beauty to meadows in the fall. Asters come in a range of hues that mums don't, such as blues and purples. Use the plant as part of your three-season planting plan. If you have a perennial garden you'd like to have blooms in for as long as possible, plant asters throughout it. For a short-lived but spectacular show, plant large borders or swaths with a variety of asters. This will make September one of your yard's most memorable months. |
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| Planting notes: As soon as you see aster plants in the nursery, snatch them up and plant them in late summer or early fall. This will give them a good chance to get established before the first frost, which increases their chances of returning the following year.
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That's interesting: In medieval Europe, people burned asters to ward off serpents (it was thought to make them take flight). The mythology continues today, as some believe that burning aster leaves will keep snakes away.
See more guides to great design plants
See more guides to great design plants
Comments
Gail Great article, love asters.....I just pinned this. I have some "wild" asters, and once had some that were 3 feet tall. I need to add more to my gardens.
9 months ago · Like
Ingelnook Farm Inc Gail - I share your enjoyment of 'wild asters'. The gangly, vividly colored tumble over my summer bloomers in a wave a purples. Also, get a few Ironweed seeds or plants which will create a vertical wild element very complimentary to the asters you love. Mark ps: Some of my favorite asters bloom at our beach cottage where the soil is sharp and alkaline, others back home in more 'fertile' soil are the gangly ones, which like a beloved pet, flop at our feet.
9 months ago · Like
Jeffrey Gordon Smith Landscape Architecture The last photo is not an Aster it is a Geranium maderense a very cool giant. It is a biennial that explodes it's second year to this large display of bloom. then dies, but well worth it.
9 months ago · Like
Becky Harris oh no! Sorry for the misinformation, and thank you for the clarification.
9 months ago · Like
Ideabook updated on Aug. 17, 2012.
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