Aster amellus, native to central and south eastern Europe and western Asia, has a reputation for being temperamental and a bit tricky to grow. Unlike most asters, it cannot be moved or divided in fall and may sulk for a year until it is re-established. The flowers, which bloom in mid summer, are said to be fragrant. It will get between eighteen inches and two feet (45.7 - 60.9cm) tall and form a nice, bushy clump about eighteen inches (45.7 cm) in diameter. The leaves are rough and the lowest ones can get six inches (15cm) long. It is drought resistant and long-blooming, but may be better for the experienced gardener.
The variety bessarabicus is native to Bessarabia; reaches two feet (45.7cm) tall and has dull purple flowers.
This is a popular species in Europe and a number of cultivars have been named that may be a bit difficult to find in US nurseries.
Aster divaricatus (White Wood Aster)
This rather sprawling, rhizomatous aster has woody, twiggy almost black stems. It's found in dry woods from Main to Georgia and west to Ohio. Unlike most asters, the leaves are large (the lower ones can be seven inches (17.8 cm) long, and heart-shaped. Although not as showy as some asters, this one is particularly valuable for shady gardens because it will bloom in heavy shade and tolerates dry shade -- something we have a lot of if we garden under large trees! A. divaricatus will vary between one foot and two feet (30.5 - 60.9 cm) tall and about eighteen inches in diameter. It's best to plant them in groups and allow them to flop. They are rated hardy from USDA zones 3 to 9.
Native from Massachusetts to Florida and Louisiana, Aster dumosus flowers prolifically in light, well drained soil and a sunny location. It will degenerate rapidly in compacted or poorly drained soil. This is one that needs division almost every year to keep blooming well. It gets about three feet (1 meter) tall and is rated hardy to USDA zones 2 and 3. Numerous cultivars, some dwarf, have been developed, among them:
There are even more asters I'll tell you about next time. See ya' later.
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