Symphyotrichum oblongifolium (sim-fy-oh-TRY-kum ob-long-ee-FOH-lee-um) is a wild, native member of the Asteraceae household of crops.
This perennial wildflower is native to North America and grows in numerous pure settings all through the US and northeastern Mexico.
You may additionally hear this plant known as:
- Japanese Fragrant Aster
- Fragrant Hardy Aster
- Fragrant Aster
- Native Aster
- Wild Aster
The plant’s genus identify, Symphyotrichum, is derived from the Greek phrases symph (coming collectively) and trich (hair). That is in all probability a reference to the crops’ barely fluffy seeds.
The particular epithet, oblongifolium, is Greek for “rectangular leaves.”
Hardy Asters Care
Dimension and Development
Wild Aster has a compact, upright, mounding progress behavior. Particular person crops could attain a top and unfold of 1′ to three′ ft.
Its darkish inexperienced foliage and stems are fragrant when crushed. The leaves are between 1″ and three″ inches lengthy.
You’ll discover mature longer leaves on the base of the stem, medium leaves within the center, and shorter, new leaves on the high.
Flowering and Perfume
The crops’ fairly, showy, purplish-pink, daisy-like blooms with yellow facilities are on show from late summer time till early winter. Nonetheless, the bloom time could range relying on the number of aster.
This barely aromatic native wildflower is very helpful to all kinds of specialised native bees. The blooms are additionally fairly long-lasting when used as minimize flowers.
Mild and Temperature
Fragrant Aster flowers like full solar however will develop in partial shade. This cheery native wildflower is winter hardy in USDA hardiness zones 3a to 8b.
Associated: Rising Aster Novae-Angliae
Watering and Feeding
Fragrant Hardy Aster does nicely when handled because the wildflower that it’s. For probably the most half, it is going to thrive on pure rainfall.
In instances of utmost drought, occasional deep watering is appreciated, as they’ve drought tolerance as soon as established.
Water at floor stage, however keep away from overhead watering. They don’t like to take a seat in soggy soil, so guarantee there’s glorious drainage.
Furthermore, it’s greatest to keep up an inch of water per week, particularly for first-year crops within the absence of rain.
A 3-inch layer of natural compost will assist retain moisture whereas offering the crops with greater than sufficient nourishment. Take care to not let the mulch are available contact with crops’ stems, which can result in fungal issues.
Soil and Transplanting
Aster flowers will do nicely in nearly any wealthy soil. Nonetheless, they thrive in fertile, well-drained, moist soil. Furthermore, they like barely acidic soil.
They’re additionally not against poor, rocky, sandy soil, however poorly draining soil with excessive clay content material will trigger issues with root rot, powdery mildew, and different fungal problems.
If planting younger crops or divisions, be sure you place the crown of the plant on the soil stage. Newly planted Wild Aster ought to be deeply watered, and the soil stored barely moist till the crops turn out to be nicely established.
Including natural mulch can also be beneficial to produce vitamins and retain moisture.
Grooming and Upkeep
Because the season progresses, crops could are likely to topple over. Chances are you’ll need to stake them. Alternatively, it’s possible you’ll prune them mid-season.
Late within the autumn or early within the winter, prune the crops to the bottom, leaving the rosette of leaves at floor stage. You too can pinch again the hardy aster’s rising suggestions between late spring and early summer time to encourage extra blooms and bushier progress.
If crops turn out to be overcrowded, divide them.
Furthermore, it’s vital to stake or cage tall styles of asters to maintain them from falling over.
How To Propagate Hardy Asters
Hardy Aster seeds (achenes) have little tufts of hair and are simply blown about by the wind and can set roots in such various settings as dry woodlands, prairies, rocky outcrops, dry open floor, disturbed soil, slopes, unfastened shale, and limestone.
Mature crops additionally unfold by means of underground runners.
If planting Fragrant Aster from seed, sow it proper on the floor of the ready soil and press the seeds into the soil. They want publicity to gentle and air to germinate.
In case you encourage them to develop in a wild-scaped setting, you possibly can lay the pruned branches with spent aster flowers on the floor of the soil the place you need them to develop. Chances are you’ll want to mow them utilizing a mulching mower, however don’t cowl them deeply.
In case you want to scale back an present stand of Wild Aster, you possibly can divide it and transplant the extras in a brand new setting.
Furthermore, you can too propagate hardy asters by way of division. Simply separate the items along with your knife from the mom plant alongside the sting of the basis ball.
Hardy Asters Principal Pest or Ailments
So long as Hardy Asters usually are not overwatered or overcrowded and are getting loads of solar and good air circulation, pest and illness issues are pretty non-existent.
Nonetheless, an excessive amount of moisture, too little drainage, or too little gentle will result in fungal ailments like root rot and powdery mildew problems.
Examples of different ailments that may have an effect on your aster varieties embody:
Different frequent insect pests that may assault hardy asters embody aphids and lace bugs.
As well as, Wild Aster isn’t enticing to deer and rabbits.
Is the plant thought-about poisonous or toxic to folks, children, and pets?
Native Asters are non-toxic.
Is the plant thought-about invasive?
These native crops usually are not aggressive and usually are not thought-about invasive.
Prompt Hardy Asters Makes use of
These enthusiastic wildflowers do nicely in mass plantings in numerous settings, offering pops of colour in late summer time and fall.
It’s additionally nice to plant asters near spring flowers in your backyard, so their stunning purple flowers can take over when the spring flowers fade.
They’re additionally pretty simple to manage to be used with bordering walkways or offering a backdrop to a coastal, wildlife, butterfly, or pollinator backyard.
As well as, perennial asters additionally make a very good container plant in autumn gardens.
Furthermore, the aster crops present good habitats for small backyard mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and different helpful pollinators, making them a sensible choice for a wildlife habitat restoration challenge.
