Italian Aster, Italian Starwort, Michaelmas Daisy, Fall Aster
Providing a bold splash of color in the late-season garden with its masses of lavender-blue starry flowers, the Italian Aster (Aster amellus) is one of the first Asters to bloom, doesn’t need staking, and is not sensitive to mildew.
Aster amellus, commonly known as Italian Aster or the European Michaelmas-daisy, is a perennial flowering plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. Unlike the New England Aster (Aster novae-angliae) or the New York Aster (Aster novi-belgii), it doesn’t produce tall, pyramidal plants. Still, the size and beauty of its blossoms and neat and compact habit make the Italian Aster among the most desirable fall asters.
Native: It is native to Europe and Western Asia.
Description: Aster amellus displays charming lavender-blue to purplish flowers with a yellow center, appearing in the late summer and continuing into the fall.
Habit and Size: Italian Aster has a compact and upright growth habit, typically reaching a height of 16-30 inches (40-75 cm) and spreading about 18 to 24 inches (45 to 60 cm) wide. It forms a dense clump of foliage with numerous branching stems that bear abundant flowers in late summer and fall.
Flowers: The flowers are star-shaped, 2 inches (5 cm) across, with a sunny yellow disc in the center surrounded by narrow petals that range from lavender-blue to purple.
Foliage: It has lance-shaped, dark green leaves that provide a lovely contrast to the colorful flowers.
Blooming season: It blooms from late summer to mid-fall.
Hardiness: It is hardy in USDA zones 5-8.
Uses: Because of its vibrant flowers and long blooming season, Aster amellus is ideal for borders, cottage gardens, butterfly gardens, and prairie-style plantings.
Pollinators: The flowers attract butterflies, bees, and other pollinators.
Toxicity: Aster amellus is not known to be toxic to humans or pets.
Deer and Rabbit: The plant is fairly unpalatable to browsing deer and rabbits.
Drought: While it prefers well-drained soil and regular moisture, Aster amellus is relatively drought-tolerant once established.
Invasiveness: It’s not considered invasive.
Key facts: It is one of the parent species of many Aster hybrids, so it has significantly contributed to the development of many garden Asters.
Growing Italian Aster in your garden comes with several advantages:
Vibrant Late Season Blooms: Italian Aster is known for its charming late-season blooms. These provide gardeners with vibrant colors when many other plants are starting to fade. It can extend the visual appeal of your garden into the fall.
Attracts Pollinators: Italian Aster is a big draw for pollinators, including butterflies and bees. Planting it can enhance the health and biodiversity of your garden by attracting these beneficial insects.
Drought Tolerance: Once established, the Italian Aster is relatively drought-tolerant. This makes it a good choice for areas with low rainfall or for gardeners who prefer low-maintenance plants.
Versatility: The Italian Aster is suitable for various garden styles, including cottage gardens, butterfly gardens, and prairie-style plantings. It can also be used effectively in borders or mixed flower beds.
Deer Resistant: Italian Aster is deer-resistant, an attribute that can be particularly valuable in areas where deer are common and can cause damage to gardens.
Hardiness: The Italian Aster is quite a hardy plant, being able to thrive in USDA zones 5-8. This broad range makes it suitable for cultivation in many regions.
Overall, if you’re looking for a low-maintenance, pollinator-friendly plant that can provide stunning late-season color, the Italian Aster would be a great addition to your garden.
| Hardiness |
5 - 8 |
|---|---|
| Heat Zones |
1 - 8 |
| Climate Zones | 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 |
| Plant Type | Perennials |
| Genus | Aster |
| Exposure | Full Sun |
| Season of Interest |
Summer (Late) Fall |
| Height |
1' - 3' (30cm - 90cm) |
| Spread |
1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm) |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Water Needs | Average |
| Soil Type | Chalk, Loam, Sand |
| Soil pH | Alkaline, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
| Characteristics | Cut Flowers, Showy |
| Tolerance | Drought, Rabbit, Deer |
| Attracts | Birds, Butterflies, Bees |
| Landscaping Ideas | Beds And Borders |
| Garden Styles | Coastal Garden, Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow, Traditional Garden |
Designing a garden with Italian Aster requires a bit of planning, as these vibrant plants can make a bold statement. Here are some tips for integrating them into your garden design:
Mixed Borders: Due to their medium height, Italian Asters are excellent for use in mixed borders. Plant them in clusters or drifts among other perennials to create a sea of color. They pair well with other late-season bloomers like Echinacea and Rudbeckia.
Butterfly Gardens: Italian Asters are a fantastic choice for butterfly gardens, as they are a known attractor of various butterfly species. Their late-season bloom provides a food source for butterflies when many other flowers have finished blooming.
Rock Gardens: The Italian Aster can adapt to the rocky, well-draining soils of rock gardens. Its bright blooms can add a splash of color amidst stones and gravel.
Cottage Gardens: The informal, charming character of Italian Aster suits cottage garden style very well. They can be mixed with other country garden favorites like roses, lavender, and delphiniums.
Mass Plantings: Planting a large group of Italian Aster together can create a dramatic visual impact. This technique is especially effective in larger gardens or landscape areas.
Accent Plant: The bold, vibrant color of Italian Aster can serve as an excellent accent or focal point in a garden, drawing the eye and adding interest to the garden scene.
Remember to provide Italian Aster with a sunny location and well-draining soil. This, along with regular watering until they’re well established, will ensure their successful growth and a garden that is vibrant with color in late summer and fall.
Italian Aster has a beautiful palette of blue and violet flowers, complementing many other perennials in the garden. Here are some companion plants that can be paired with Aster amellus:
Rudbeckia (Black-eyed Susan): The yellow flowers of Black-eyed Susan contrast beautifully with the blue and violet of the Italian Aster. Both plants also have similar growing requirements.
Echinacea (Coneflower): With their similar height and contrasting flower shape, Coneflowers can add depth to a planting combination with Italian Aster.
Grasses: Ornamental grasses such as Panicum virgatum (Switchgrass) or Miscanthus sinensis provide a beautiful backdrop to the Aster’s vibrant blooms.
Phlox paniculata (Garden Phlox): The vibrant pinks and purples of Garden Phlox pair nicely with the Aster’s blue flowers.
Solidago (Goldenrod): The yellow flowers of Goldenrod create a stunning contrast with Aster amellus and both plants bloom around the same time.
Nepeta (Catmint): The soft, silvery foliage and lavender flowers of Catmint provide a gentle contrast to the Aster’s darker hues.
Sedum (Stonecrop): Autumn Joy Stonecrop, with its pink-to-rust flowers in the late season, complements Italian Aster very well.
Salvia (Sage): The intense blue of Salvia pairs beautifully with the blue and violet hues of Aster amellus.
Japanese Anemones (Anemone × hybrida) make excellent companion plants for Aster amellus. Both share similar bloom times, with Japanese Anemones adding a delicate beauty with their elegant flowers. The contrasting textures and colors create a visually appealing combination in the garden.
Remember, when choosing companion plants, consider their cultural requirements (sunlight, water, soil) to ensure they’re compatible.
Growing Aster amellus, or Italian Aster, requires the same basic conditions as most other Aster varieties. Here are the key steps:
Location: Choose a location in your garden that gets full sun. This plant is adaptable to a range of light conditions but blooms best in full sun.
Soil: Aster amellus prefers moderately fertile, alkaline, well-draining soil. Although it can tolerate poor soil conditions, it grows best in soil rich in organic matter.
Planting: Dig a hole that is twice as wide and deep as the root ball of your Aster amellus. Place the plant in the hole and fill it with soil, pressing down firmly. Ensure that the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface. Provide good air circulation to avoid foliage diseases such as powdery mildew.
Watering: Water the plant thoroughly after planting. Then, water it regularly, especially during dry spells. Asters generally prefer slightly moist soil.
Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the plant to help retain moisture and suppress weeds. Keep the mulch a few inches away from the plant stem to prevent rot.
Fertilizing: Apply a balanced granular fertilizer in the early spring. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the appropriate amount.
Pruning: To promote bushier growth and more blooms, pinch back the growth tips in late spring or early summer. In the late winter or early spring, cut back the entire plant to ground level to encourage fresh new growth.
Pest and Disease Control: Keep an eye out for common Aster pests such as aphids, leafhoppers, and powdery mildew. Use appropriate organic or synthetic controls as needed.
Remember to check your local Extension service for specific growing guidelines in your region.
/ 123RF Stock Photo
| Hardiness |
5 - 8 |
|---|---|
| Heat Zones |
1 - 8 |
| Climate Zones | 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 |
| Plant Type | Perennials |
| Genus | Aster |
| Exposure | Full Sun |
| Season of Interest |
Summer (Late) Fall |
| Height |
1' - 3' (30cm - 90cm) |
| Spread |
1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm) |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Water Needs | Average |
| Soil Type | Chalk, Loam, Sand |
| Soil pH | Alkaline, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
| Characteristics | Cut Flowers, Showy |
| Tolerance | Drought, Rabbit, Deer |
| Attracts | Birds, Butterflies, Bees |
| Landscaping Ideas | Beds And Borders |
| Garden Styles | Coastal Garden, Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow, Traditional Garden |
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Create a membership account to save your garden designs and to view them on any device.
Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.
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