Asters are one of the many daisy family members. Often called “Michaelmas Daisies” [although Aster novi-belgii is also called this nickname] since their autumn blooming coincides with the September 29th date of the Church calender celebration. Also known as New England Aster (Aster novae-angliae), they are widely available in named varieties ranging in color from pale pinks through deep purples.
The taxonomists have changed the genus name, and now asters are no longer “asters”, at least for those of new world origination. They are now called, ‘Symphyotrichum’. I bet stores will long be resistant to changing the pretty name ‘aster’ for the new one, though.
I’ve grown the New England asters for years, they now seed prolifically through my garden. I started out by buying some named varieties, ‘Harrington’s Pink’, ‘Alma Potschke’, and ‘Ballad’.
There are flowers enough in the summertime,
More flowers than I can remember.
But none with the purple, gold, and red
That dyes the flowers of September!
–Mary Howitt (1799–1888)
beloved flower fairies by Cicely Mary Barker
The Look
This aster has rough medium green leaves in a lance shape of 1 to 2 inches growing along tall woody stems; hairy and clasping. It is a coarse looking plant, but the myriad flowers which cover the plant in early to mid autumn are dainty and a burst of pure color in the late garden.
The Needs
Aster novae-angliae likes moisture, wet to medium soil that is not heavily acidic. Height of 40-60 inches, spread somewhat narrower, the recommended distance between plants is 24 inches. Full Sun to Part Shade in USDA Zones 3a-9b. Blooms August-October.
beloved flower fairies ~ by Cicely Mary Barker.
How To Grow Asters
Originating in Eastern North America, they are easily grown in Ohio and similar areas.
Spring is the best time to transplant and divide. If you have named varieties, divide them about every other year; replant the healthy portions in well-dug and enriched soil. Discard overly woody parts. It helps the plant to be pruned or tipped back in early summer, but no later than July 4th.
Pruning produces a bushier plant and more bloom, and also helps the plant from leaning over so much when weighed down by the burgeoning blooms in the fall rains.
Average soil suits it, so no special fertilizer- just whatever you commonly use in your garden during the bloom season. Feeding encourages good blooming.
Gertrude Jekyll recommended gardens set aside for showcasing certain seasons, of her own Michaelmas daisies she says “[they] have, as they well deserve to have, a garden to themselves… where the flowers are in glad spring-like profusion, when all else is on the verge of death and decay”.
 | Aster – Woods Purple – $39.90 Fall Brings Profusion of Purple Blooms The Aster ‘Woods Purple’, Aster x demose, is a purple petaled daisy-like flower with a yellow center, It blooms August through October. With its perfectly clean, compact, dense and mounding, dark green, disease resistant and rust free foliage, this plant has a height: 12â€-18 and a plant spread of 24â€. ‘Woods Purple’ has emerged in the past few years with superb flowers and longer bloom times. Purple Blooms Through October |
photo by Elizabeth a.Sellers
Fun facts
Asters are a talisman of love and a symbol of patience in flower-speak. Excellent cut flowers to tell someone you love them- they make perfect country bouquets.
Aster is Latin for star.
Placed on a grave they denote bravery.
It is said burning the leaves of the aster flower would keep snakes away.
The purple asters bloom in crowds
In every shady nook,
And ladies’ eardrops deck the banks
Of many a babbling brook.
-Elaine Goodale, Autumn
