Position – Full sun or part shade
Soil – Fertile, well-draining
Flowering Period – August to October
Hardiness – Fully hardy
Asters are perennials, annuals or sub-shrubs and are the perfect addition to create late summer and autumn colour within herbaceous borders. They can provide so much beauty with a broad selection to choose from. Narrow leaves and daisy-like flowers adorn delicate, thin stems in a variety of colours. They are best suited to flower beds and borders within a coastal and courtyard garden setting. You should expect to see Asters grow to an approximate height of 1m (3’) and a spread of 50cm (20”).
Asters are best suited to well-drained soil of sand, chalk and loam within an alkaline and neutral PH balance. Amend the planting area with a generous amount of compost and organic matter to improve overall drainage and nourishment. Dig a hole to accommodate the depth and width of the root ball and space companion plants 60cm (24”) apart. Water plants in well and apply a layer of mulch to keep the soil cool and moist.
In periods of drought, water Asters well, taking care to apply moisture from below and avoid splashing the leaves, which can encourage powdery mildew and similar diseases. If you’re short on time, mulching around the base of the plant will help to retain moisture. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms.
It is possible to propagate Asters by division. Plant each new division as soon as possible either somewhere else in a border or in a container and water well.
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