Aster novae-angliae (New England Asters)
New England Aster, Michaelmas Daisy, Symphyotrichum novae-angliae (Aster Novae-Angliae)
Providing an outstanding late-season show with its masses of violet or lavender daisy-like flowers, New England Aster (Aster novae-angliae) is one of the tallest and most spectacular of the Asters. Native to North America, it is easy to grow, long-lived brings cheerful fall color, and is a great source of nectar for butterflies.
- Blooming for many weeks from late summer to late fall, this eye-catching beauty easily enlivens any sunny corner of the garden. Multi-stemmed, most New England Asters form lovely clusters of 1-2 in. blossoms (2.5-5 cm) with rose-purple, lavender, or white ray florets and orange-yellow centers, in profusion at the tips of sturdy stems clad with hairy green leaves. On cloudy days or at night, the flowers droop and close. As soon as the sun shines again, they pursue their glorious display and will do so for weeks.
- Fast-growing to 6 ft. tall (180 cm) and 2-3 ft. wide (60-90 cm).
- Thrives in full sun or partial shade, in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils. Moist, rich soils are preferred. Provide good air circulation to avoid foliage diseases such as powdery mildew. Drought tolerant!
- A vital ingredient of late summer and fall borders, cottage gardens, prairies, or butterfly gardens. New England Asters are also valued for the excellent quality of their cut flowers.
- Asters are a must if you are trying to attract birds or butterflies. Plants are fairly unpalatable to browsing deer and rabbits.
- Pinch back stems before midsummer to promote bushiness, produce a greater number of flowers, and control the plant height (to avoid flopping by the plant). Asters may self-seed if grown in ideal conditions. Cutting back after flowering will prevent undesired self-seeding.
Aster novae-angliae, commonly known as New England Aster, belongs to the Asteraceae family, which also includes yarrows, chrysanthemums, and sunflowers. The Genus Aster contains over 600 species and thousands of hybrid varieties, providing a wide choice to pick from, as they all vary in habit, height, flower color, leaf shape, and growing conditions.
Guide Information
Hardiness |
3 - 8
|
---|---|
Heat Zones |
1 - 8
|
Climate Zones | 1, 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 |
Plant Family | Aster |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest |
Summer (Late) Fall |
Height | 1' - 6' (30cm - 180cm) |
Spread | 1' - 3' (30cm - 90cm) |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Average |
Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Cut Flowers, Showy |
Tolerance | Clay Soil, Deer, Drought, Rabbit, Salt |
Attracts | Birds, Butterflies |
Landscaping Ideas | Beds and Borders, Patio and Containers, Small Gardens |
Garden Styles | Coastal Garden, Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow, Traditional Garden |
Compare All Aster Great Plant Combination
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Photo courtesy of USFWSmidwest, Drew Avery, Flickr
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
Guide Information
Hardiness |
3 - 8
|
---|---|
Heat Zones |
1 - 8
|
Climate Zones | 1, 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 |
Plant Family | Aster |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest |
Summer (Late) Fall |
Height | 1' - 6' (30cm - 180cm) |
Spread | 1' - 3' (30cm - 90cm) |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Average |
Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Cut Flowers, Showy |
Tolerance | Clay Soil, Deer, Drought, Rabbit, Salt |
Attracts | Birds, Butterflies |
Landscaping Ideas | Beds and Borders, Patio and Containers, Small Gardens |
Garden Styles | Coastal Garden, Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow, Traditional Garden |
Compare All Aster Great Plant Combination
Ideas with Aster Guides with Aster