Location requirements
Autumn asters should be planted in sunny to partially shaded locations and in fresh, moist soil. Gardeners are recommended to plant 5-7 plants per square meter.
Care
Since autumn asters can reach a height of almost 2 meters, tying and supporting them is recommended to protect the plants from autumn storms. To maintain vigor and flowering vigor, the smooth-leaf aster should be divided and replanted every 2 to 4 years. Many aster varieties (except novae-angliae) are susceptible to powdery mildew, so treatment with a fungicide should be performed at the first sign of powdery mildew.
Other species and recommended varieties
Popular varieties of the novae-angliae include the 130 cm tall 'Herbstschnee', which blooms white from early September, and the 150 cm tall 'Violetta', which blooms violet from October. A special variety of the novi-belgii is 'Le Reve'. This 150 cm tall aster, which blooms a cool pink from mid-September, is characterized by its long flowering period and its bulging flower heads. Another eye-catcher in the garden with its stunning purple color is the 'Leuchtfeuer' variety. It grows to 120 cm tall and blooms from mid-September.
Blue wood aster(Aster cordifolius)
Height 80-180 cm; flowering time September and October; particularly suitable as a cut flower
Myrtle Aster/Heather Aster(Aster ericoides)
Flowering time generally September to October, sometimes into November; height 50-100 cm; purple flower shapes
Smooth Aster/ Bald Aster(Aster laevis)
One of the more fragrant asters; flowering time mainly in September; height 60-120 cm
TEXT: Swantje Holtmann
