Plant/Tree of the Month
October 2006

Asters

Asters are herbaceous perennials (not woody like trees) that are selected for use in the landscape because of their beautiful flower color and the fact that they bloom as other summer annuals fade (from Sept. 1 through Halloween).

Cultivars vary in flower color from white to pink to red and from blue to purple but the blue and purple varieties are the most sought after and the most readily available. Most Garden Centers will have at least one type of Aster for sale in the fall. Garden Centers/Nurseries that specialize in Perennials may have five or six varieties to choose from.

Asters can be planted in a wide variety of soils. They require minimal care but can be pinched back in June to promote prolific flowering and should be dug and divided every other year.

Lacebugs and Japanese beetles are two potential insect problems. Powdery mildew and rust are two POTENTIAL disease problems

There are a number of them on campus, that originated from 7 plants which were purchased and planted in front of Lowery Center some years ago.

The “Green Team” has grown to appreciate the color contribution that Asters make to the Fall Landscape and gives them a “Green Thumbs Up” for residential landscapes.

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