Spring Blooming Aster ID?

9 years ago

About two years ago, I couldn't resist the happy little faces of this plant, labelled an aster, at *blush* the Walmart garden center. I figured it might die, but I have gotten a few nice plants there on the cheap (like my Blue Moon woodland phlox). Last year, I was pleased to see it did NOT die (yay!) and in fact got even bushier and more floriferous throughout April and May. I would like another one of these for the other side of my walkway. I may try dividing it, but I'd rather just buy another one. However, I can't figure out the variety. Does anyone know? (I suppose it might not even be an aster, this is Walmart we're talking about, but the leaves look sort of vaguely like my fall blooming aster leaves.)

Featured Answer

gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)

5 years ago

"Please know that plants bought at home depot, walmart, costco etc are typically genetically modified and thwart pollination and diminish species."

Oh for heaven's sake - what nonsense!! Many of the same suppliers who stock local independent retail nurseries and garden centers stock the box stores as well. If you have any reputable evidence to the contrary, I would very much like to see it.

btw, genetic modification as you refer to it is a hugely expensive process that is reserved for large commercial agricultural crops - the big money makers, not some poncey little flowers!!

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Comments (6)

peren.all Zone 5a Ontario Canada
9 years ago
Aster alpinus possibly.
Jenn thanked peren.all Zone 5a Ontario Canada
Tomas (Sweden z3b USAD)
9 years ago
Erigeron ?
Jenn thanked Tomas (Sweden z3b USAD)
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ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
9 years ago
if you want an exact duplicate .. you are better off.. just dividing the one you have ....

its not that big a deal ... and its the next step in your learning curve ...

i presume that pic is from last year ...

so.. while its still cool out.. divide the thing ... giving it a couple weeks to settle in .. before it starts growing gangbusters ...

or.. since its a spring bloomer ... divide it in fall .... as doing it now.. MIGHT affect bloom ...

ken
Jenn thanked ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
Jenn
Original Author
9 years ago
Thanks, all. I think it looks most like the aster alpinus peren.all suggested, so I will keep an eye out for that, and meanwhile boldly divide as Ken suggests. (Although thanks to winter storm Stella, gonna hafta wait a few weeks for the foot and a half of snow to melt.) Appreciate the help!
Sharon Lund
5 years ago
Please know that plants bought at home depot, walmart, costco etc are typically genetically modified and thwart pollination and diminish species. Please try to buy from reputable sources so your beautiful garden can help promote this essential process in nature. I didn't know this until recently and am sharing not to shame but to help spread this important information to fellow flower friends!!