Harbingers of Fall - Part V - Asters, Part 3

Aster novae-angliae is a very common wild flower in New England and can be found in eastern North America from southern Canada to Alabama and into the central states of the U.S. This is a variable species, ranging in height from three to six feet (1 -- 2 m), with a robust, vertical habit of much branched stems with loose corymbs of one to two inch (2.5 - 5 cm) purple daisy flowers. Somewhat resistant to mildew, it prefers moist sites and is tolerant of wet soils. It wants as much sun as you can give it and is rated hardy from USDA zones 4 to 9. The cultivar 'Harrington's Pink' blooms a bit later than the species and requires division less frequently than most. It gets about three to four feet (1 - 1.5 m) tall.

Aster novae- belgii is also a native of North America and found from Newfoundland to Georgia. The flowers on the species are blue-violet and about an inch in diameter (2.5 cm). It is also variable in habit, reaching one to four feet (30 cm -- 1.2 m) in height and about eighteen inches (45 cm) in diameter. This aster has been extensively hybridized and hundreds of cultivars exist with more varieties listed every year.

These asters need to be divided often, fertilized sparingly and pinched back to develop healthy, bushy plants. The taller cultivars need to be staked -- a task much easier done before they start to flop over. Now, if I could only remember to do this.... Like A. novae-angliae, this species prefers moist soil and as much sun as you can give them. Mine bloom well in about half day sun.

There are many asters out there, just waiting to brighten your garden. If you're not growing any, try some -- you're bound to find some that you like! Following are sources of more information on asters:

• Favorite Perennial Asters by Lynn Ocone. This is published on the National Gardening Association site which has a search feature for past articles, just plug in the word you want to find more information about.

• Ketzel Levine's Plant Profile on Asters, lists some good asters to look for (short asters with fat flowers, etc.) as well as sources for plants and information on asters and specific cultivars. Ketzel (who bills herself as the 'Doyenne of
  The copyright of the article Harbingers of Fall - Part V - Asters, Part 3 in Shade Gardening is owned by Marge Talt. Permission to republish Harbingers of Fall - Part V - Asters, Part 3 in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

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