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Aster novi-belgii (New York Aster)

New York Aster, Michaelmas Daisy, Symphyotrichum novi-belgii

Aster Novi-Belgii
When many perennials are fading toward the end of the season, New York Asters (Aster novi-belgii) burst into bloom and deliver an outstanding show of color in the late summer and fall gardens.

What is New York Aster?

Aster novi-belgii, commonly known as New York Aster or Michaelmas Daisy, is a late-blooming perennial native to the eastern United States. This species is often used as an ornamental plant in gardens and landscapes for its showy flowers and easy care. Subject to intense breeding, there are over 1,000 cultivars with varying degrees of flower color and size.
  • Growth Habit and Size: New York Aster is a herbaceous perennial with a clump-forming growth habit with erect, branching stems. The plant forms dense, bushy foliage and produces numerous daisy-like flowers with vibrant colors, adding a burst of late-season beauty to the garden. It typically grows to a height of 1-3 feet (30-90 cm), sometimes reaching up to 4 feet (120 cm), and spreads about 1-3 feet (30-90 cm)wide. It should be noted that the height of each cultivar may vary significantly with the type of soil they are being grown in. As a general rule on free-draining sandy soils, the plants will be shorter than average, while on rich, loamy soil, they are likely to be taller than average.
  • Flowers: New York Asters form lovely sprays of rose-purple, lavender, or white flowers at the tips of the stems. Its daisy-like flowers, about 1-1.5 inches (2-4 cm), add a splash of color when many other garden plants are fading. 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.
  • Foliage: The smooth, shiny foliage ranges from mid-green to purple tinted and is usually long and lance-shaped, creating a lush backdrop for the vivid flowers.Blooming Season: Asters bloom from late summer to late fall, often continuing to provide color when many other plants have stopped flowering.
  • Hardiness: Aster novi-belgii is hardy in USDA zones 4-8.
  • Uses: This plant is used in borders, rock gardens, cottage gardens, or butterfly gardens. It’s also suitable for cutting gardens, as the flowers last well in a vase.
  • Pollinators: The flowers are highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, making them excellent plants for creating a wildlife-friendly garden.
  • Toxicity: Asters are not typically toxic to humans or pets, but some people may experience skin irritation from handling the plants.
  • Deer and Rabbit: Asters are usually resistant to deer and rabbits which tend to avoid them due to their slightly bitter taste.
  • Drought: Once established, Aster novi-belgii is relatively drought tolerant.
  • Invasiveness: This plant is not considered invasive. It can spread in the garden but is usually easy to control.
  • Key Facts: The name ‘novi-belgii’ means ‘of New Belgium’, a historical New York area name indicating the plant’s native origins. It’s also known as Michaelmas Daisy because its flowering season coincides with the feast of St Michael and All Angels, also known as Michaelmas, on September 29.

Why Should I Grow New York Asters?

There are numerous reasons why you might want to consider growing New York Asters (Aster novi-belgii) in your garden:
    • Extended Blooming Season: New York Asters bloom from late summer to early fall, offering vibrant color in your garden when many other plants have finished their show.
    • Attracts Wildlife: They are particularly attractive to butterflies, bees, and other pollinators, which can bring your garden to life with movement and contribute to local biodiversity.
    • Variety and Versatility: With numerous cultivars available, there’s a wide range of flower colors and plant sizes to choose from. This allows you to select the perfect asters to suit your garden design and personal preferences.
    • Low Maintenance: New York Asters are hardy, resilient, and easy to care for. They’re resistant to many common pests and diseases, and once established, they can withstand periods of drought.
    • Suitable for Cutting: The flowers of Aster novi-belgii last well when cut, making them an excellent choice for bringing a splash of color indoors in a vase.
    • Deer and Rabbit Resistant: The slightly bitter taste of asters usually deters deer and rabbits, making these plants a good choice if these animals are common in your area.
    • Fits Well in Many Garden Types: Whether you have a wildflower meadow, a cottage garden, a butterfly garden, or a traditional border, New York Asters can be a fitting addition.
    In conclusion, the New York Aster is a beautiful, versatile, and easy-to-grow plant that can provide valuable late-season color and support for pollinators in a wide range of garden settings.

      Guide Information

      Hardiness 4 - 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
      Genus Aster
      Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
      Season of Interest Summer (Late)
      Fall
      Height 1' - 4'
      (30cm - 120cm)
      Spread 1' - 3'
      (30cm - 90cm)
      Maintenance Average
      Water Needs Average
      Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
      Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
      Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
      Characteristics Cut Flowers, Plant of Merit, Showy
      Native Plants United States, Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, New Hampshire, Maryland, Connecticut, Maine, Vermont, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Northeast, Southeast, West Virginia, South Carolina, Virginia, North Carolina
      Tolerance Drought, Deer, Salt, Rabbit, Clay Soil
      Attracts Bees, Butterflies, Birds
      Landscaping Ideas Patio And Containers, Beds And Borders, Small Gardens
      Garden Styles Coastal Garden, Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow, Traditional Garden

      Most beautiful New York Asters

      Garden Design with New York Aster

      Designing a garden with New York Asters can bring a pop of color and a touch of natural charm to your outdoor space, especially during the late summer to fall months. Here are some design ideas:

      Mass Planting: Plant New York Asters en masse to create an eye-catching, vibrant border or ground cover. This will not only create a significant visual impact but also attract more pollinators to your garden.

      Mixed Borders: These asters make great companions for other fall-blooming perennials such as sedum, rudbeckia, echinacea, and ornamental grasses. Their vibrant colors can complement the warm autumn hues and provide beautiful contrasts.

      Cottage Gardens: Given their height and upright habit, they can be used in the mid or back borders of a cottage garden design, complementing shorter perennials and annuals.

      Wildflower or Meadow Gardens: As native plants, New York Asters are perfect for wildflower or natural-style gardens. They can be paired with other native species to create a low-maintenance, wildlife-friendly space.

      Containers: Some dwarf cultivars of New York Aster are perfect for container gardens. They can be mixed with other fall-blooming plants for a seasonal display on a patio or balcony.

      Cutting Gardens: If you love fresh flowers in your home, include New York Asters in a cutting garden. They make excellent, long-lasting cut flowers.

      Remember, these asters enjoy full sun and well-drained soil. They’re easy to care for, making them a great addition to many garden designs. Their late-season flowers provide an essential source of nectar for bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, adding life and movement to your garden.

      Companion Plants

      New York Asters are versatile and can be paired with many other plants for a visually appealing garden. Here are some good companions:

      Rudbeckia (Black-Eyed Susan): With its golden yellow flowers, Rudbeckia creates a striking contrast with the purple or pink New York Asters. They bloom around the same time, providing an eye-catching display of color.

      Echinacea (Coneflower): Another native perennial with a similar blooming period, Echinacea’s upright habit and pink or purple flowers complement New York Asters well.

      Ornamental Grasses: Grasses such as Panicum (Switch Grass) or Miscanthus (Silver Grass) can provide a textural contrast to the asters and add movement to the garden.

      Solidago (Goldenrod): Goldenrod’s sprays of yellow flowers pair well with New York Asters, and the plants have similar cultural requirements.

      Sedum (Stonecrop): Autumn Joy Sedum, with its sturdy structure and rosy blooms, provides an excellent contrast with the more delicate asters.

      Boltonia (False Aster): With similar daisy-like flowers, Boltonia can create a sea of white to light up the fall garden when paired with New York Asters.

      Salvia nemorosa (Meadow Sage): A herbaceous perennial that is cherished for its densely packed, vibrant blue to purple flowers that bloom throughout the summer.

      Coreopsis verticillata (Threadleaf Coreopsis): Known for its dainty, fern-like foliage and bright yellow flowers. It’s a reliable perennial that blooms from early to late summer.

      Liatris spicata (Blazing Star): This perennial is unique with its tall spikes of purple flowers that bloom from the top down. It’s a favorite among butterflies.

      Achillea millefolium (Yarrow): An easy-care perennial with flat-topped flower clusters in various shades like red, pink, yellow, and white.

      Nepeta faassenii (Catmint): Known for its aromatic grey-green foliage and purple-blue flowers that attract pollinators. It’s also a highly drought-tolerant plant.

      Helenium autumnale (Sneezeweed): This late-summer blooming perennial showcases cheerful, daisy-like flowers with a prominent central disk.

      Gaillardia spp. (Blanket Flower): Characterized by its striking, daisy-like flowers, typically bicolored with shades of red, yellow, and orange.

      Perovskia atriplicifolia (Russian Sage): A woody-based perennial with silvery-gray leaves and tall wands of lavender-blue flowers in late summer.

      Penstemon digitalis (Foxglove Beardtongue): An upright perennial with white to light pink tubular flowers and glossy foliage.

      Calamagrostis x acutiflora (Feather Reed Grass): A decorative grass with feathery blooms that stand upright. Its vertical lines provide great contrast to the more mounding shapes of Asters.

      Panicum virgatum (Switchgrass): A native prairie grass known for its reddish-pink flower clusters and lovely fall color.

      These companion plants not only create a pleasing aesthetic but also help attract a wider range of pollinators to your garden.

      Companion Plants for New York Aster

      Rudbeckia fulgida (Black-Eyed Susan)
      Echinacea (Coneflower)
      Sedum (Stonecrop)
      Achillea (Yarrow)
      Helenium (Sneezeweed)
      Salvia (Sage)
      Nepeta (Catmint)
      Perovskia atriplicifolia (Russian Sage)
      Solidago (Goldenrod)

      Growing Tips

      Growing New York Aster requires some careful attention to the soil and location, but these plants are generally low-maintenance once established. Here are some tips:

      Location: Choose a location with full sun to partial shade. These plants will flower best in full sun.

      Soil: New York Aster prefers well-drained soil. It can tolerate a range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils, but good drainage is crucial. The soil pH should be between 6.0 and 7.8.

      Planting: Plant the aster in spring or early fall. Dig a hole twice the size of the root ball, place the plant in the hole, and fill it with soil. Leave the top of the root ball slightly above the soil surface.

      Watering: Water the plant thoroughly after planting. Afterward, provide regular watering but avoid over-watering. The soil should be moist but not soggy.

      Mulching: Mulch around the base of the plant to conserve moisture and control weeds.

      Fertilizing: Apply a general-purpose fertilizer in early spring to promote growth.

      Pruning: Prune back in late winter or early spring to encourage bushier growth and more blooms. Pinch back stems before mid-summer to promote bushiness, produce a greater number of flowers, and control the plant height (to avoid flopping by the plant). Cutting back after flowering will prevent undesired self-seeding.

      You can also cut back the stems after flowering to prevent self-seeding if desired.

      Pest and Disease Control: Keep an eye out for common pests like aphids and diseases like powdery mildew. If you notice any problems, treat them early.

      Division: These plants tend to become woody and less vigorous after a few years, so they benefit from being divided every 2-3 years in the spring.

      Remember that different varieties might have specific needs, so it’s always a good idea to check the care instructions for your particular variety of New York Aster.

      Garden Examples

      A Late Season Border Idea with Asters and Grasses
      A Beautiful Fall Border Idea with Asters, Verbena and Grasses
      A Splendid Fall Border Idea with Penstemon, Asters and Grasses
      A Hot Summer Border Idea with Dahlia, Crocosmia and Aster
      A Glowing Fall Border with Asters, Anemones and Grasses
      A Terrific Fall Border with Asters, Solidago and Rudbeckia
      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 4 - 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
      Genus Aster
      Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
      Season of Interest Summer (Late)
      Fall
      Height 1' - 4'
      (30cm - 120cm)
      Spread 1' - 3'
      (30cm - 90cm)
      Maintenance Average
      Water Needs Average
      Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
      Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
      Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
      Characteristics Cut Flowers, Plant of Merit, Showy
      Native Plants United States, Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, New Hampshire, Maryland, Connecticut, Maine, Vermont, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Northeast, Southeast, West Virginia, South Carolina, Virginia, North Carolina
      Tolerance Drought, Deer, Salt, Rabbit, Clay Soil
      Attracts Bees, Butterflies, Birds
      Landscaping Ideas Patio And Containers, Beds And Borders, Small Gardens
      Garden Styles Coastal Garden, Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow, Traditional Garden
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