By Josie Borlongan, Garden Guides Contributor
About Asters
Asters are from a genus of flowering plants in the family
Asteraceae. They are perennial plants that can be divided. The name
Aster comes from the Ancient Greek word astron, meaning star, which
describes the shapes of the flowers.
Asters produce large clusters of delicate daisy-like flowers in
white, purple, lavender, pink or red. They are at times mistaken
for daisies, especially the white ones. They grow in abundance and
love full sun.
Site Preparation
Asters can be planted under full sun, which is by far the best
spot. They can tolerate a little early morning shade, but too much
shade will bring on the powdery mildew.
Use a fertile loam that is well drained but can retain adequate
moisture. Clay soils are not preferred as they hold the winter
water and the roots will rot.
Choosing a Variety
Some common Aster species are: Aster alpinus (Alpine Aster, which
flowers in summer, 8 to 12 inches tall, single flowers); Aster
amellus (European Michaelmas Daisy or Italian Aster, flowers in
early fall, 24 inches tall, single in clusters); Aster divaricatus
(summer bloomer, 12 to 24 inches, cluster bloomer); Aster
lateriflorus (Lady in Black); Aster linosyris (Goldilocks Aster);
Aster pringlei; Aster scaber; Aster sibericus; Aster tataricus;
Tatarian Aster (a late fall bloomer, 36 to 60" tall cluster); Aster
tongolensis (a summer bloomer, 18" tall, single blooms) and Aster
tripolium (Sea Aster).
Planting
Sown aster seeds at least 18 inches apart.
For container-grown asters, first dig a planting hole. Then water
the plant thoroughly and remove it from its container, taking care
not to damage the roots. To help the plant establish quickly,
carefully loosen the sides and base of the root ball, particularly
if root bound, by teasing out the roots with your fingers or a hand
fork. Plant asters at ground level depth so that the crown of the
plant is level with the surrounding soil. Then aback fill with soil
and loosen the surface of the soil with a hand fork and water
thoroughly.
Plant bare-root aster plants immediately after purchase to avoid
dehydration.
Care
If there are prolonged dry spells during the growing season, give
extra water to the plants to keep them turgid. If they wilt or die
back from lack of water, they will recover fully after a heavy
rainfall or will become dormant until the following season.
Young plants need to have sufficient water to become established
but they should not be watered once they are growing
satisfactorily, except in very dry weather. Add irrigation tubing
planting areas if you live in regions where summer drought is
normal.
Mature clumps will need to be divided every three to four years in
the early spring or late fall after the flowering has finished.
When shoots have reached one-third of their final height, pinch out
the top 1 to 2 inches (2.4 to 5 cm) to promote bushier growth and
to prolong the fall bloom.
If soil has been thoroughly prepared before planting, few
perennials require more than an annual top-dressing of a balanced
slow-release fertilizer, preferably applied in early spring after
rain.
Plant bugs, earwigs and slugs are common problems.
