did you know?

The genus is a large one with more than 250 species that range from tiny rock-garden plants to 6-foot-tall Northeastern natives from a variety of habitats, from the Americas to Asia. Our native asters were introduced to Europe in 1637, when plant explorer John Tradescant brought them from Virginia. They were hybridized in England and entered the gardener's world.

general maintenance:

Stake plants if necessary. Cut back plants to the ground after frost or in early spring, before new growth appears.

pests/diseases:

Fungal wilt (affecting roots) and powdery mildew may occur.

controls:

Good drainage is the best prevention against fungal wilt. Avoid amending soil with organic matter; asters prefer lean soil. To discourage powdery mildew, space plants for adequate air circulation and avoid wetting leaves when watering. Pick off diseased leaves where practical, and remove and destroy severely infected plants. As a preventive, spray plants weekly with a mix of 4 teaspoons baking soda and 1 tablespoon horticultural oil per gallon of water.

how to sow/plant:

In spring, choose a sunny, well-drained site, and set plants about 2 feet apart, at the same depth they were in container. Water and mulch after planting.

water and fertilize:

Maintain soil moisture all season. Fertilization is unnecessary, but if desired, apply a slow-release fertilizer at planting, following label directions.

garden hint:

To encourage stocky growth, pinch or shear stems back by half in early summer. (This will delay bloom time slightly.)

features:

• Attractive Flowers
• Attractive Foliage
• Attracts Butterflies
• Native

garden uses:

• Edging
• Flowerbed borders

other uses:

• Cut Flower

combine with:

Joe-Pye weed goldenrod and stonecrop