Plant Encyclopedia: Aster

February 20, 2018 by Kasi Smith Leave a Comment

Plant Care Basics

Contents

1 Grow Zone Recommendation: Aster is a perennial that is well-adapted for growth in USDA zones 3 to 9.

2 Sunlight Needs: For the best results, aster likes to be grown in full, sunny conditions. They will tolerate a little shade.

3 Watering Needs: Water your aster plants regularly after planting, until well established. After that, they don’t need very much water — just water when the soil is dry. Aster is considered quite drought tolerant.

4 Average Size: Aster plants grow from 1 to 8 feet tall and 1 to 4 feet wide, so give your asters plenty of space to spread and allow air circulation.

5 Foliage Color: Aster’s foliage is a rich green. The flowers, which appear in both fall and spring, come in blue, pink, or white with a yellow-orange center.

6 Must Know Plant Care Tips: Aster can be started from seed in the spring, but are usually purchased as a potted plant and transplanted. Plant in well-drained soil that is loamy, and keep new plants moist until well established. When watering, water at the base as not to encourage powdery mildew and other fungals. Fertilize is good about monthly. Cut off dead blooms to encourage more growth. Some varieties, like hoary can be invasive.

7 Plant Problem Solver: Aster is good for container gardens and is drought tolerant. It attracts birds and provides low-maintenance garden color. It also makes wonderful cut flowers. If you’re looking for height and color, aster might be for you.

8 Pretty Pairings: Great companions for aster include tall ornamental grasses, penstemon, echinacea, dahlia, roses, and verbena.

Grow Zone Recommendation: Aster is a perennial that is well-adapted for growth in USDA zones 3 to 9.

Sunlight Needs: For the best results, aster likes to be grown in full, sunny conditions. They will tolerate a little shade.

Watering Needs: Water your aster plants regularly after planting, until well established. After that, they don’t need very much water — just water when the soil is dry. Aster is considered quite drought tolerant.

Average Size: Aster plants grow from 1 to 8 feet tall and 1 to 4 feet wide, so give your asters plenty of space to spread and allow air circulation.

Foliage Color: Aster’s foliage is a rich green. The flowers, which appear in both fall and spring, come in blue, pink, or white with a yellow-orange center.

Must Know Plant Care Tips: Aster can be started from seed in the spring, but are usually purchased as a potted plant and transplanted. Plant in well-drained soil that is loamy, and keep new plants moist until well established. When watering, water at the base as not to encourage powdery mildew and other fungals. Fertilize is good about monthly. Cut off dead blooms to encourage more growth. Some varieties, like hoary can be invasive.

Plant Problem Solver: Aster is good for container gardens and is drought tolerant. It attracts birds and provides low-maintenance garden color. It also makes wonderful cut flowers. If you’re looking for height and color, aster might be for you.

Pretty Pairings: Great companions for aster include tall ornamental grasses, penstemon, echinacea, dahlia, roses, and verbena.

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