Smooth Blue Aster.

De un vistazo

Care level

Easy

Plant type

Perennial

Light

Full sun

Indoor light

direct

Water

Every 7 to 14 days

Mature size

90 to 120 cm

Growth rate

medium

Hardiness

USDA 3 to 8

Bloom time

Late summer to mid autumn

Cuidados

Plant this aster in a spot with plenty of sun and well draining soil. Keep an eye out for powdery mildew if the air circulation is poor. Cut back the stems in late winter to encourage fresh spring growth.

Watering

Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a deep root system.

Feeding

A light application of compost in early spring is usually plenty.

Pruning

Cut back to the ground in late winter or very early spring.

Repotting

Divide the clumps every few years to maintain plant vigor.

Soil

Well draining loam or rocky soil

Soil pH

Neutral to slightly alkaline

Temperature

-34 to 35°C

Humidity

30 to 60%

Drought tolerance

moderate

Lifespan

Perennial, typically 5 to 10 years

Deer and rabbits

moderate

Seguridad

People

There are no reports of significant toxicity to humans, but it is not intended for consumption.

Pets

This plant is generally considered non toxic to cats and dogs.

Children

While not poisonous, the stems can be somewhat stiff, so keep an eye on small children to prevent accidental scratches.

Contact allergens

Some individuals may experience mild skin irritation from handling the foliage.

Airborne allergens

The pollen can trigger seasonal allergies in sensitive individuals during the late summer bloom.

Edibility

This plant is not considered edible and should not be consumed.

Cómo identificarla

• Smooth hairless blue green leaves
• Clusters of violet blue daisy flowers
• Yellow centers turning reddish purple
• Sturdy upright branching stems

Height

0.6 to 1.2m

Spread

0.45 to 0.9m

Leaves

blue green, deciduous

Flowers

blue, violet, 2 to 4cm

Problemas frecuentes

• Powdery mildew — A white fungal growth appears on leaves when air circulation is poor.
• Rust — Small orange or brown spots develop on the undersides of leaves.

Cómo cultivarla

Propagation

division, seed

When to plant

spring, autumn

Overwintering

Cut the stems back to the ground after the foliage dies back in late autumn. It is fully hardy and requires no special protection.

In containers

It grows well in large containers, provided they have excellent drainage and at least 3 gallons of soil volume.

Pair this aster with other late blooming prairie plants to create a continuous nectar supply for pollinators.

Buenas compañeras

• Goldenrod — The yellow flowers of goldenrod provide a beautiful color contrast to the blue aster blooms.
• Little Bluestem — This grass provides a lovely structural backdrop for the aster.

Mantenla lejos de

Especies parecidas

• New England Aster — It has rougher, hairy leaves compared to the smooth foliage of this species.

Ciencia

Family

Asteraceae

Genus

Symphyotrichum

Order

Asterales

Class

Magnoliopsida

Native range

Central and eastern North America.

Conservation

It is secure across its native range and not currently of conservation concern.

It naturally occurs in open woodlands and prairies where it competes for light in late summer.

Value to wildlife

late season nectar source, pollinator magnet

Pollinators

bees, butterflies, moths

Uses

pollinator garden, prairie restoration, late season color

Taxonomía cotejada con GBIF.

Lo que más preguntan

Does it need staking?

It usually stands up well on its own, but pinching it back in early summer can encourage a bushier, sturdier habit.

How much sun does it need?

It thrives in full sun to light shade.

De dónde viene el nombre

The name Symphyotrichum comes from Greek words meaning joined hair, referring to the pappus bristles, while laeve means smooth, describing its hairless leaves.

Bueno saberlo

• The leaves have a smooth, waxy coating that gives them a blue green appearance.
• It is a favorite food source for many native bee species before winter.
• The flowers can range from deep blue to light lavender.