Aster amellus ‘King George’ (Italian Aster)

Among the first Asters to bloom, Aster amellus ‘King George’ (Italian Aster) is regarded as one of the best with its profuse and long-lasting show of star-shaped, violet-blue blossoms, up to 2 in. wide (5 cm), with golden yellow centers. Blooming for weeks from late summer to mid-fall, this fall Aster doesn’t need staking and is not sensitive to 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 24 in. tall and wide (60 cm), its flowering sprays are held upright, and its woody stems are clad with oval, dark green leaves.
• Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society
• 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.

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. Still, the size and beauty of its blossoms and its neat and compact habit make this Aster among the most desirable of all Fall Asters.