In the UK for more than 400 years, but the genus goes back over 4,000 years. There are 250 species of perennials, with wonderful diversity in stature, structure and flower colour, so there are plenty to choose from. They're often called Michaelmas daisies, but enthusiasts only use this name for the commonly grown Aster novi-belgii . The name aster comes from the Greek word for star.
Asters are members of the Asteraceae family. This family has composite flower-heads, which means that the central disc is composed of up to 300 tiny individual flowers, usually yellow or orange. This is surrounded by large, brightly-coloured petals, designed to attract pollinating insects. The annual asters that are sown for late summer bedding are properly called callistephus. |
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Recommended varieties
• A . x frikartii 'Monch'
• A.amellus 'Rudolf Goethe'
• A.amellus 'King George'
• A.ericoides
• A.turbinellus
Growing tips
Most perennial asters flower in late summer and autumn. To get the best effect, plant them at the back of a border combined with other late flowering plants such as Japanese anemones.
Asters are fast-growing perennials that will benefit from being divided in spring every year or two. Divide the clumps with a spade, discarding the old dormant sections from the centre. Replant the vigorous growing outer portions into newly prepared ground. The taller growing varieties benefit from staking to prevent them from being damaged by strong winds.
Problem solver
Many perennial asters, especially A. novi-belgii , have a tendency to succumb to mildew. To prevent this keep them well watered and apply a mulch around the base of the clump to retain moisture at the roots. Spray plants with a suitable fungicide at the first sign of disease.
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