They didn't overwinter last year for me...they barely over-falled, LOL. They died before first frost. I got two more this year when I picked up my mums. I'm assuming you're talking about the asters they have sitting next to the mums? They're pretty enough that even if they don't make it through the winter, I won't regret planting them.

If there's a trick to getting these to overwinter, I'd like to know.

I think, like the mums, it's hit or miss. My theory, based on years of scientific research, of course - ;) - is that the mums and asters we see at this time of year, appearing ever earlier and earlier, are greenhouse-forced and therefore not very hardy, and therefore won't overwinter as well.

In the past, I've had these fall-bought plants overwinter and thrive for me, even the ones I've forgotten and left in their pots outside all winter. Lately though (the last two years maybe) I haven't had as much luck. And now that we are seeing them in the stores bud in June, well, who knows.

I figure I either try to overwinter in pots in the garage, or if I have the time, I plant them out. If I'm going to toss them in the compost anyway, I might as well give them a shot. But I don't count on them to come back as part of my garden plan. If they come back, that's a bonus. If not, oh well.

In the meantime, I buy mums and asters in spring or start my own from seed, and these are the ones I count on to come back for me.

"...they barely over-falled..." Funny, anitamo!!

:)
Dee

oh well. I have some Alma Postches and Wood's Purples that need dividing anyway. But the blue ones they have in the nurseries are just so pretty, I may get some anyway. I'll plant them out, mulch them heavily, and hope for the best.

I wonder if this would work, after you plant your new Asters and give them a drink containing a potash type fertilizer, giving the plants a bit of help to get them through their first winter. Mulching them wouldn't hurt either, worth a try.

A......

ladychroe, if you are buying these asters from a reputable nursery/garden center, they might be okay. I guess I thought you were referring more to the ones you see at supermarkets and discount places, the kind put out starting in July for impulse buying.

Like I said, if you are going to toss it on the compost pile anyway, what harm would it do to try to plant it? You might be pleasantly surprised come spring! Just don't have your heart set on it returning, just in case.

Good luck!
:)
Dee

The asters you see in the fall, most likely are perennial, but may not have the chance to get rooted in before winter, and may not come back next spring. Better to make a note of the cultivar name, and plant them in the spring, and give them the whole season to establish a good root system. If they do come back, the height of the plants will depend on which type of species and cultivar you planted. Some asters will remain at 12" to 15" high, while some will grow to 4 feet tall.