Aster (genus)
Aster amellus
Monthly Theme: Starry, starry night. Flaming flowers that brightly blaze…
Don McLean's song ‘Starry, starry night’ about Vincent van Gogh's life always makes me think of an aster. I wonder if McLean would mind if I added a verse to his song that said, ‘Starry, starry night asters bloom with such delight?’ If you haven’t already guessed, this month’s ‘star’ performer is the aster.
Aster is a genus of perennial flowering plants in the family Asteraceae. Asteraceae family are relatives of the sunflowers, daisies, chrysanthemums, marigolds, and even Mediterranean artichokes. Depending what or where you research, there are 170-190 species of asters. They are sometimes called Michaelmas daisies because they bloom during the Michaelmas festival on September 29th (a festival I’ve never heard of!).
Asters are daisy-like perennials with starry-shaped flower heads that have a range of colors from white to pink to blue to purple, but the most common in Ohio are purple with brilliant yellow centers. In the last summer and autumn, when so many other flowers are fading, asters bring joyful beauty to the garden.
The two most common asters are the New England aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae) and the New York aster (S. novi-belgii). I’m sure we have all seen wild asters growing on the roadsides and in the woods. Today many ecologically-minded gardeners are selecting wild type species of asters to plant in their yards. They might not be as glitzy as the cultivated varieties, but will thrive in their native areas. Personally, I prefer to plant native species over a non-native species when possible.
Unfortunately, they are susceptible to powdery mildew, rusts, leaf spots, aphids, mites, and slugs like to munch on them, but don’t let that scare you – because frankly they are plants and live outside in harmony with the bugs and insects. On the plus side, asters make great cut flowers! They work well in mixed borders, with grasses or prairie-type perennials such as cornflowers or goldenrod. They are often used in rock gardens or wildflower gardens. Keep in mind, depending on the species, the plant can grow from 8” to 8’. So, thoughtfully select a spot to plant your asters where they will have room to grow.
To help with the mildew issue, keep plants well-watered. Look for varieties that are mildew-resistant such as Aster amellus, Aster pyrenaeus or Little Carlow. Asters are easy to grow. They prefer cool, moist summers, and especially enjoy the cool nights of autumn. Select a site with full to partial sun. Make sure the soil is moist, but well-drained. It’s always wise to mix some compost into the soil prior to planting. You can grow asters from seed indoor and plant them outside after the danger of frost has passed. Potted asters can be planted as soon as they are available in your area (typically in early fall). Plant them 1’-3’ apart, depending on how large the variety is expected to grow. Add 2” of mulch to keep the soil cool and help prevent weeds. Don’t forget to water if you aren’t getting at least 1” of rain per week.
If you planted a taller variety, stake the plants to keep them from falling over. In early spring when shoots begin to emerge, pinch back the tips once or twice to promote bushier growth and more blooms (I know it’s hard, but they like it!). Later, to keep them blooming and encouraging new growth, deadhead the spent flowers. In preparation for winter, cut asters back after the foliage dies. However, some gardeners like to leave them standing throughout the winter to add some interest to their barren landscape.
Mature plants can be divided every 2 to 3 years in the spring to maintain their vigor and flower quality. Don’t be afraid to get that spade out and dig up a chuck of asters to share with a friend!
Asters are used as food plants by the larvae of a number of Lepidoptera species. Additionally, they attract bees and butterflies, providing the pollinators with an important late-season dinner/snack.
Smarty Plants Fun Facts
Asters grow in all Plant Hardiness Zones
Aster belong to the family Asteraceae
Full to partial sun
Can grow 8”-8’ tall
Blooms in late summer and autumn
Attracts bees and butterflies
Fertilize growing asters with a balanced plant food monthly
The More You Grow
Medicinal Purposes
For generations, wild plants were used for medicinal and spiritual purposes. So, you won’t be surprised to learn that aster roots were a common ingredient in traditional Chinese medicine to treat colds, migraines, and venereal diseases. The Native Americans used its flowers and leaves for food and healing. They used their roots in soups and fresh leaves were eaten like every day salad greens. Asters were combined with other plants and used as a laxative (don’t try this at home!).
Symbolism, Myths & Magic
Interestingly, the name aster comes from the Greek word ἀστήρ (astḗr), which means star. Since the flower head appears to have the shape of a star, this name was apropos. In Greece, the original name was star-flower, since Greeks were said to think of stars when they saw an aster. It was regarded as a bewitched flower, which they utilized to pay tribute to their gods.
In Greek mythology, the goddess Asterea (or Virgo) was said to look up at the sky and cried because she couldn’t see the stars. Amazingly, everywhere her tears fell asters began to grow. The starry-shaped flowers of the asters delighted Asterea as they often delight people today.
During Victorian times, people studied the language of flowers and asters were said to mean love, faith, and wisdom. Also, the aster is the flower used to celebrate a 20th wedding anniversary (better than paper, wood or lace!).
Thomas Jefferson (I know you are singing the song from the musical Hamilton about Thomas Jefferson in your head right now!) was a fan of China asters. He cultivated several varieties of asters on his Monticello estate (“Thomas Jefferson’s coming home!...I gotta go I gotta be in Monticello!”).
For those who study the meaning of colors, purple asters represented wisdom and royalty. So, a bouquet of purple asters would be fitting for a king or queen! Historically, white asters stood for purity and innocence. With today’s loss of innocence, the meaning was changed to white representing new beginnings or major accomplishments such as a graduation or a promotion. Red asters were a sign of devotion while pink asters were a sign of love. Asters are red, violets are blue, sugar is sweet, and I love you!
According to ancient folklore, burning aster leaves released a smoke that could drive away serpents (aka snakes) and evil spirits. German and English legends proclaimed they held magical powers. In French, aster flowers were placed on the graves of fallen soldiers to represent the wish that things would have turned out differently for the soldier.
Last tidbit of information, asters are September’s birthday flower, which may be why I’m slightly bias since I’m a September baby. Let’s hear it for all the Virgo’s out there! Please excuse me for now while I take a walk in the crisp autumn air and enjoy my asters, Autumn Joy sedum, and Naked Ladies (look it up – that’s a real plant name!). When I get home, I’ll pause to look at my replica of Vincent van Gogh’s Starry Night (only 7.3984923 billion copies in print and I own one of them!).