Aster amellus ‘Grunder’ (Italian Aster)

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 more flowers.
• Divide every 3-4 years in spring.

Aster Amellus, commonly known as Italian Aster, belongs to the Asteraceae family, including 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.