Aster amellus 'Grunder' (Italian Asters)
Italian Aster 'Grunder', Italian Starwort 'Grunder', Michaelmas Daisy 'Grunder', Fall Aster 'Grunder', Aster amellus 'Grフ_nder'
Statuesque, Aster amellus 'Grunder' (Italian Aster) is a very distinctive Aster variety with its profuse and long-lasting sprays of large, deep lavender-blue blossoms, 3 in. across (7 cm), with broad petals surrounding a golden yellow disc. Blooming for weeks from early fall to mid-fall, this fall Aster doesn't need staking and is resistant to powdery mildew. Native to Europe, it is easy to grow, long-lived, and provides a bold splash of color in the late-season garden.
- Compact and fast-growing, up to 32 in. tall (80 cm) and 24 in. wide (60 cm), its strong flowering sprays are held upright and their woody stems are clad with oval, dark green leaves.
- Thrives in full sun in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils. Moderately fertile, alkaline 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. 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 as they are a great source of nectar.
- Pinch back stems before early summer to promote bushiness and produce a greater number of flowers.
- Divide every 3-4 years in spring.
Aster Amellus, commonly known as Italian 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. As opposed to the New England Aster (Aster novae-angliae) or the New York Aster (Aster novi-belgii), Aster amellus doesn't produce tall, pyramidal plants but the size and beauty of its blossoms, coupled with its neat and compact habit, make this Aster among the most desirable of all Fall Asters.
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Requirements
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 |
Plant Family | Aster |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest |
Fall |
Height | 2' – 3' (60cm – 90cm) |
Spread | 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm) |
Spacing | 18" – 24" (45cm – 60cm) |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Chalk, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Cut Flowers, Showy |
Tolerance | Drought, Rabbit |
Attracts | Birds, Butterflies |
Garden Uses | Beds and Borders |
Garden Styles | Coastal Garden, Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow, Traditional Garden |
Botanik Foto
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.
Requirements
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 |
Plant Family | Aster |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest |
Fall |
Height | 2' – 3' (60cm – 90cm) |
Spread | 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm) |
Spacing | 18" – 24" (45cm – 60cm) |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Chalk, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Cut Flowers, Showy |
Tolerance | Drought, Rabbit |
Attracts | Birds, Butterflies |
Garden Uses | Beds and Borders |
Garden Styles | Coastal Garden, Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow, Traditional Garden |