Tough and reliable, asters are a natural for dry climates like
ours where several native species delight mountain hikers. In fact, many
aster varieties fail to survive the winter if kept too moist.
Among cultivated asters, growth habits range from three-foot perennials
to compact mounds. The Greek word aster refers to the yellow-centered,
star-like flowers that can be white, red, pink, purple, lavender and blue.
Though asters generally bloom in late summer and fall, alpine aster
blooms in May and June. This little rock-garden plant bears one-and-one-half
inch, violet flowers, although white, blue, lavender, and pink flowers
are also available. Alpine asters grow best in full sun and well-drained,
moist soil.
Wonder of Stafa hybrid aster is said to be one of the ten best perennials.
The soft, lavender-blue flowers blend well with most other flower colors.
After they start to flower in August, they bloom almost continually until
late October.
Local garden centers and nurseries also stock varieties of New England
aster, and many more of the New York aster, also called Michaelmas daisy.
New York asters produce one-inch flowers that cover the full range of aster
colors. Heights range from a few inches to four feet.
Asters are easy to cultivate, but powdery mildew can be a problem. To
control the initial onset and spread of the disease, divide asters yearly
in the spring. Replant the outer portions, and discard the spent center
of the clump.
Combine asters with mauve Joe-Pye weed, northern goldenrod, white coneflower
or the tawny seedheads of feather-reed grass for a complete fall show.
© Colorado State University Cooperative Extension,
Denver Botanic Gardens, and Green Industries of Colorado, Inc. 1998, 1999.
Cineraria Varieties
