Information About Asters

Asters are daisy-like perennials with starry-shaped flower heads that range in color from white to blue to purple. They bring delightful beauty to the garden in late summer and autumn, when many of our summer blooms may be fading.

How long do asters last?
What is Aster good for?
Where is the best place to plant asters?
Do asters grow back every year?
Do asters spread?
Should I deadhead asters?
What insects do asters attract?
What Aster means?
Are asters poisonous to dogs?
Can asters survive winter?
Can asters be grown in pots?
What month do asters bloom?

How long do asters last?

They may be tall and stately, or some varieties have a more mounded shape. Asters need full sun, which is at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. With too much shade, they get leggy and floppy. Asters usually bloom for weeks from early to late fall.

What is Aster good for?

Aster Plant Uses

The Iroquois people combined aster with bloodroot and other medicinal plants to make a laxative. The Ojibwa used an infusion of aster root topically to aid with headaches. Portions of the flower were also used to treat venereal diseases.

Where is the best place to plant asters?

When & Where to Plant Aster

Light: Asters grow and flower best in full sun. Some varieties will tolerate part shade but will have fewer flowers. Soil: Asters grow best on well-drained, loamy soil. Wet clay soil will lead to root rot and dry sandy soil will lead to plant wilt.

Do asters grow back every year?

They are perennials so come up year after year. They are deciduous, loosing all their leaves and stems in winter.

Do asters spread?

White wood aster (Eurybia divaricate, formerly Aster divaricatus) is a rambunctious plant that spreads by underground rhizomes. ... You can spot wild aster by its small, daisy-like flowers that pop up in unwanted areas, especially lawns.

Should I deadhead asters?

“Deadhead”, remove spent flower heads to encourage continuous flowering and prevent seed development. Plants need good air circulation to avoid powdery mildew. Asters are sensitive to the length of the day. They will not bloom until late summer but should bloom until frost.

What insects do asters attract?

Sunflowers, mint, and aster families (coneflowers, daisies, corepsis, yarrow) of plants attract predatory wasps and parasitoid flies such as hover flies.

What Aster means?

The Aster is a unique daisy-like wildflower that's known for its star-shaped flower head. Aster meanings include love and wisdom. With a rich history in Greek mythology, it's said that the aster was created by the tears of the Greek goddess, Astraea. ... Thus, the flower was named after her, with aster meaning star.

Are asters poisonous to dogs?

Asters come in a wide range of colors. ... If you're planning a garden -- or panicking after your pet devoured a few aster petals in the park -- rest assured that almost every flower known as "aster" is considered non-toxic to dogs.

Can asters survive winter?

Asters have good winter hardiness, reliably surviving winters in Zones 4 to 8. As with most perennials, winter survival hinges on having aster plants in the right type of soil. Tuck asters into soil that's fertile and well-drained. Soil that stays wet and drains poorly in winter can kill aster plants.

Can asters be grown in pots?

Asters can be grown in containers in well-drained compost.. The plants should be cut back after flowering and then, if possible, stored in pots in a cold frame or greenhouse over the winter. Keep the pots moist but not sodden, and do not apply extra heat.

What month do asters bloom?

Asters are daisy-like flowers that bloom in late-summer and early-fall. They come in a wide variety of colors and sizes, are easy to grow and bloom predictably and reliably.