Ever wondered why an Aster flower is appreciated by gardeners, botanists, and florists alike? Well, the answer is quite simple. When most species begin to fade, these star-shaped late bloomers come alive and bring life back to your garden area.
Available in many hues like purple, pink, red, blue, and white, these perennials also have deep-rooted cultural significance and embody different sentiments. The name “Aster” is derived from a Greek word meaning “star”, typically representing the shape of the bloom.
If you are planning to add this exquisite genus to your front lawn or in your collection of indoor plants, it is essential to understand everything about it. Therefore, let us dig into the blog and learn why this alluring species truly needs your attention.
Aster Flower: A Must-Have Vibrant Perennial for Your Fall Garden
The Aster Flower is widely known for its colorful blooms and the beauty that it adds to any landscape area. Since the genus comes in various shades, it is widely used in floral arrangements. Many people believe that the aromatic Aster plant contributes widely to the ecosystem by attracting pollinators and providing shelter to different birds and insects.
Known as the late-season blooms, the Aster flowers usually bring color to your garden when all the other flora tends to fade away. It is one of the herbaceous perennial plants, which means that it has soft, non-woody stems.
These species look very similar to daisies and are associated with various meanings depending on their cultivar. Pink Asters are mostly used to convey love, affection, and admiration, while the purple Aster is commonly associated with beauty and royalty.
It is believed that adding purple Asters to your indoor space can bring in luck, prosperity, and good fortune. The charismatic appearance of the flora is known to bring happiness and joy to people. Additionally, if you are planning to add these exquisite species to your balcony garden, it is beneficial to understand their ideal growing conditions.
How to Keep the Asters Happy? Explore the Ultimate Care Guide
Although Asters are easy to care for, it is essential to provide them with proper growing conditions to witness their overall growth.
While many say that the original Aster species are indigenous to Eurasia, it is also believed that some wild cultivars of the flower are commonly found in parts of North America.
Before you plan to pot this genus, it is advisable to explore the right growing conditions that it needs to flourish.
| Sunlight Exposure: Asters usually need long hours of direct sunlight. A minimum of 6–8 hours of light is needed to witness healthy growth. |
| Water Requirement: Regular watering is needed, especially during the growing stages, but avoid waterlogging as it can lead to root rot. |
| Soil Type: Prefers a well-draining, fertile soil with a pH level between 6.0-7.0. Grows best in loamy or sandy soil. |
| Fertilizer: Sprinkling a balanced fertilizer during spring can promote development and protect the genus from any pest or disease. |
Most of the time, Asters do better when it is cool and damp. If you are planning to grow this beauty in a pot for your indoor space, make sure to add nutrient-rich compost to your potting mix to encourage fast growth.
While planting these species outside in your front lawn, be sure to sow the seeds 3 feet (0.91 m) apart from each other.
The accurate distance between each plant depends on the cultivar you are planting and its expected height. A mature Aster flower typically grows up to a height of 5–6 feet tall.
Taxonomic Overview of the Aster Plant
The genus Aster has over 600 wild species across the globe. Even though many North American Asters were renamed by some scientists and botanists, many gardeners still call them “Aster Flowers” because of their similar appearance.
To understand and appreciate the botanical background of this genus, it is important to study its taxonomy.
| Taxonomic Overview of the Aromatic Aster Plant | |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Clade | Angiosperms |
| Clade | Eudicots |
| Clade | Asterids |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae (The Aster or Daisy family) |
| Genus/Botanical Name | Aster spp. |
You may find different scientific classifications for this bloom because of its categorization. Due to its distinctive growth habits, many garden enthusiasts classify the genus into two groups. The Old World Asters, also known as true Asters, and the New World Asters, are known as the evolved species.
Moving further, let us explore the types of fall Aster species that exist in different parts of the world.
10 Alluring Aster Plants You Must Have in Your Garden
As has been stated earlier, this member of the Asteraceae family has been classified into two categories, depending on its origin and certain botanical aspects. Given below is a list of 10 alluring Aster types that can be grown throughout the season.
| Cultivar Name | Image | Botanical Name | Hardiness Zone |
| Alpine Aster |  | Aster Alpinus | 5-7 USDA |
| New York Aster |  | Symphyotrichum novi-belgii | 4-8 USDA |
| New England Aster |  | Symphyotrichum novi-angliae | 4-8 USDA |
| Smooth Aster |  | Symphyotrichum laeve | 4a-8b USDA |
| Calico Aster |  | Symphyotrichum lateriflorum | 4-8 USDA |
| Woods Blue Aster |  | Symphyotrichum cordifolium | 5-8 USDA |
| Alert Aster |  | Aster novi-belgii | 4-8 USDA |
| Frost Aster |  | Symphyotrichum pilosum | 3-8 USDA |
| October Skies Aster |  | Symphyotrichum oblongifolium ‘October Skies’ | 3-8 USDA |
| Heath Aster |  | Symphyotrichum ericoides | 3-10 USDA |
Harrington’s Pink, Purple Cloud, September Ruby, and Pink Victor are some more popular cultivars of this species and are easy-to-grow species.
Benefits of Adding Aster Flowers to Your Garden Space
Be it about influencing energies, attracting pollinators, or simply being a visually appealing element, the Aster seeds and flowers offer numerous benefits. In the following section, let us explore some of them in detail.
- Asters are known to promote pollination as they attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. It provides food and shelter to the wildlife, therefore supporting in balance of the ecosystem.
- Some cultivars of this blossom are known to have medicinal properties. It is believed that the florets of the genus can treat respiratory issues, aid in improving digestive health, and its foliage has anti-inflammatory properties.
- According to some ancient scriptures regarding building construction and design, it is believed that adding Aster flowers can instantly uplift the mood and bring in positive energy.
- These daisy-like flowers not only hold an ornamental value, but the wide shade range of the species adds a pop of color to your garden space, making it oh-so stunning.
Just like Gladiolus and Poppy are known as August birth flowers, many individuals believe that the Aster flower is one of the September birth flowers and conveys emotions like wisdom, faith, love, and admiration.
How to Grow Aster All Year Round?
The Asters are widely popular for their late-season blooms, but if you wish to have the blooms exist all year round and witness their beauty during all four seasons, it is necessary to follow some essential care tips.
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By making a strategic planting plan and providing the species with the right environmental conditions, one can enjoy these vibrant flowers all year round.
Now, some fungal infections may turn the leaves of the plant white. Make sure to apply liquid fertilizer occasionally to restore its health, and while doing so, place the pot away from the healthy ones to avoid spreading the infection.
Stunning Photo Gallery of Aster Flowers
Let’s quickly riffle through some mesmerizing photos of Aster flowers. This photo gallery captures the elegance and charm of these genera in full bloom.
Whether you are a seasoned botanist, a garden enthusiast, or simply a flora lover, these Aster varieties can make anyone stop and stare. Although they have a short blooming season, their picturesque look holds a long-lasting impact.
Floral Summary: Wrapping You an Aster Bouquet
The Aster flower is renowned for its star-shaped blooms and low-maintenance qualities. It is famous for its vibrant colors among gardeners and florists alike. Apart from being visually appealing, they also carry symbolic meanings of wisdom, love, faith, and affection. If given proper care, these hardy plants can surely be the star of your fall garden.
Having cultural significance and medicinal benefits, these perennials play a vital role in supporting the ecosystem and treating ailments. You cannot deny that the Aster flower is simply more than a seasonal beauty; it’s a go-to flora option for your mini garden space.
Are Asters poisonous to cats?
No, Asters are non-toxic to cats and dogs, which is why they are considered an excellent plant choice to add to your indoor space.
What is special about Aster flowers?
Aster flowers are known for their uncanny similarity to daisies and can easily be grown throughout the year with proper care and nourishment.
Do Asters prefer growing in full sun or shade?
If you wish to turn your Aster into a luxuriant plant, it is ideal to provide the blooms with at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight.
Do Asters come back every year?
Yes, Asters are perennial plants and can be grown back every year very easily.
- Aster — NC State Extension Research Paper
- Aster — Britannica
- The Vibrant Perennial Flower That’s A Must-Plant For Attracting Birds And Pollinators — Yahoo Life
