Aster Flowers Plant: Types, Meaning, Growing Care Tips

Aster is a group of perennial flowers plant in the family Asteraceae that are noted for daisy-like flowers, attractive colors and flowers that can provide late season interest in a flower garden.

Asters have been a garden favorite for many years since they are not only beautiful flowers but make excellent garden plants. Numerous varieties flower as the summer flowers start to fade, keeping gardens in color during fall. They are also useful for attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies with their star shaped flowers, and are a good choice for wildlife friendly landscaping.

Aster flowers are available in a variety of shapes and sizes, from small varieties for small garden beds to taller varieties for a striking background. They are great for use in perennial borders, pollinator gardens, containers and naturalized plantings.

What Is an Aster?

An aster is a flowering perennial with colorful, daisy like flowers. The name is derived from the Greek word for a star, because of the shape of their flower heads.

Aster flowers are members of Asteraceae, the largest family of flowering plants. Other well-known flowers in the family include daisies, sunflowers, chrysanthemums and coneflowers.

The term “aster” may also be used for plants of the genus Aster, but also for a few plants commonly known as asters that have been moved to other related genera. This is important because the group that is called the asters is quite botanically diverse.

Quick Facts About Asters Flowers

What Do Aster Flowers Look Like?

The flowers of aster are usually narrow with a narrow central disk. The flowers can be relatively small, or flower heads that are larger and showier, depending on the variety.

Colors that are most closely associated with asters include purple and lavender, but gardeners can also find white, pink, blue and other colors.

There are variations in foliage depending on the species. Some asters will produce leaves that are narrower and others will produce leaves that are wider. Plant height is another important factor and a variety that will fit the garden will vary widely.

Perhaps one of the most attractive aspects of the aster is that it comes when it’s needed. Many varieties will flower late in the summer and fall, when many other perennial plants have bloomed.

When Do Asters Bloom?

The flowers usually appear in late summer through fall depending on species, cultivar, climate and growing conditions.

Asters are especially useful in a perennial garden as they bloom in the fall. They flowers are often long-lived and after many spring and early summer blooms they will leave a fine show of color.

Aster flowers plant will also be beneficial for pollinators as a source of nectar for cooler fall weather.

Gardeners can try mixing varieties of blooming time instead of all-aster displays for the longest possible display.

What Colors Do Asters Come In?

Asters are available in several attractive flower colors. Common shades include:

• Purple
• Lavender
• Blue
• Pink
• White
• Violet

The center of the flower often contrasts with the petals, creating the familiar daisy like appearance.

Color selection depends largely on the variety. Gardeners can use different colors to create a coordinated perennial border or mix asters with other late season flowers for a more natural look.

Popular Types of Asters

There are many species and cultivars of asters. Others are favored in home gardens for their ornamental blooms, their low-growing habit or their pollinator-friendly nature.

New England Aster

One of the most popular asters for fall gardens is new England aster. Can grow into a fairly tall plant and flower profusely purple, pink or other color. It is tall and can be used at the rear of a perennial border. It can also be used to make a great show when planted in clusters.

New York Aster

Another popular class of late blooming plants are the New York asters. In general, they are somewhat finer in appearance than some of the taller types of asters, and are suitable for perennial gardens. Flower color can be blue, purple, pink or white, depending on the cultivar.

Smooth Aster

The attractive flowers and comparatively neat growth of smooth aster make it a popular choice. It may be a suitable choice for a gardener’s plant that is ornamental and native to the region. Flowers may offer a beneficial late season forage for pollinators.

Heath Aster

Heath aster can make a delicate, airy look in the landscape and is a prolific bloomer with a large number of small flowers. It is compatible to use in naturalistic designs especially.

Wood Aster

Wood asters are found in woodland and semi-shade. As they grow, they may have different needs than the sun-loving garden asters and gardeners should determine the individual species before determining where to plant.

How to Grow Asters

Aster flowers plant can be easy to grow as long as gardeners plant the correct species in the appropriate location and provide appropriate growing conditions.

Choose the Right Location

The majority of garden asters thrive best in an area that gets ample sunlight. Generally, full sun will promote more growth and more flowering.

A few species will grow in partial shade, though they may have weaker stems and fewer flowers if they do not receive adequate sunlight.

Select an area that has a good air flow, particularly if the garden is humid.

Prepare Well Drained Soil

Asters tend to grow best in fertile, well-drained soil. The rooting areas can become problem areas with poor drainage.

Add organic matter to compact or poor soil, if appropriate, before planting. Do not establish a planting site with excess water runoff.

A soil test can be used to decide if certain amendments are necessary for the garden.

Plant at the Appropriate Time

Perennial asters are available to plant in many regions of the United States in the spring. Established plants can be planted later in the season if gardeners have enough time to establish roots before harsh weather conditions.

Spacing varies with variety mature size. Ensure adequate air circulation and growth for plants, rather than crowding them.

Water Regularly

Mulching is important for newly planted asters to establish root system and maintain consistent moisture.

Many asters will withstand short dry spells once established but regular watering will usually lead to improved growth and flowering.

Rather than topping and topping the foliage, water the soil. Morning watering might also allow leaves to dry during the day.

Add Mulch

Organic mulch can increase soil moisture, moderate soil temperature and decrease weed competition.

Do not mulch so close to the plant crown that there is a risk of too much moisture around the base.

How Much Sun Do Asters Need?

Most asters grow best in full sun, which generally means at least six hours of direct sunlight per day.

Adequate sunlight helps plants develop sturdy stems and abundant flowers. In very hot climates, some varieties may appreciate protection from intense afternoon heat, particularly when grown in containers or exposed locations.

If an aster produces excessive foliage but very few flowers, insufficient sunlight can be one possible cause.

How Often Should You Water Asters?

The amount of watering required is influenced by rainfall, soil, temperature, plant growth stage and container size.

Young asters tend to require more frequent watering than seasoned asters. After the root system has formed, water according to the point when the soil’s surface starts to get dry, not on a specific watering schedule.

During hot or unusually dry periods, check the soil more frequently.

A simple approach is to:

• Check the soil several inches below the surface.
• Water thoroughly when the soil has begun to dry.
• Allow excess water to drain away.
• Reduce watering when rainfall provides adequate moisture.

How to Prune Asters

Pruning may be used to control the size and to promote fullness.

If gardeners intend to produce short, stout plants, then they can pinch back growing stems earlier in the season. Do not prune the plant until just before the flowering time to allow sufficient time for flower buds to form.

Gardeners can remove spent flowers or leave some seed heads in the garden for wildlife and winter interest after blooming.

Old stems may be pruned at the end of the growing season as the garden and growing situation demands.

Do Asters Attract Bees and Butterflies?

Yes. Asters are good pollinator garden companions for several insects whose nectar and pollen is provided by the flower.

As a late bloomer, asters are very useful as they flower during a time when nectar may be more abundant than in other garden plants.

If you want to support the pollinators and have other native or pollinator-friendly plants in your garden that bloom at different times of the year, you might consider planting them with the asters. This can help to extend the food availability season.

Are Asters Easy to Grow?

Aster flowers are easy to grow under appropriate conditions. They are not unduly fussy about their upkeep.

Their basic needs usually include:

• Adequate sunlight
• Well drained soil
• Consistent moisture during establishment
• Sufficient spacing
• Good air circulation
• Occasional pruning when needed

One of the most difficult decisions is usually which one to grow in a particular location or in a specific size garden.

Common Aster Problems

Though asters are fairly hardy, they may have trouble in unfavorable growing conditions.

• Powdery Mildew: Powdery mildew may manifest itself as a light, powdery growth on the leaves and stems. Risk is higher when air circulation is poor, planting is crowded and humidity is high. Allow plants ample room and refrain from over watering them.
• Aster Yellows: Astilbe yellows is a plant disease that is caused by phytoplasmas and most commonly spread by leafhoppers. Infected plants might produce flowers that are distorted, unusual growth or yellow plants. Remove severely affected plants to help limit the spread of the disease.
• Root Problems: Too wet soil may also cause root issues. One of the most important preventative measures is good drainage.
• Weak or Floppy Stems: Tall asters can droop if they don’t get enough sun or if they’re planted in too rich a soil. Appropriate pruning and support can help create a more compact plant.

How to Use Asters in a Garden

Asters can fit into several landscape styles.

• Perennial Borders: When growing asters in a border, grow taller varieties in the back and shorter ones in the front. Their late season blooms can add additional interest to the planting.
• Pollinator Gardens: Use asters in combination with native flowering plants for a garden that attracts bees, butterflies and other beneficial insects.
• Cottage Gardens: Many asters are quite informal in form and have profuse flowers, which look very well in a cottage style planting scheme.
• Containers: Container-grown aster cultivars can be successful in containers as long as there are sufficient drainage and space for the roots.

Aster flowers plant grown in containers might need more watering than those in the ground, as the potting soil will dry out faster.

Asters vs. Other Daisy Like Flowers

Asters can look similar to a number of members of the Asteraceae family. The flower structure is daisy-like, which may make identification difficult.

The simplest method to determine a particular plant is to look beyond flower color. Consider:

• Leaf shape
• Plant height
• Flower size
• Blooming season
• Stem characteristics
• Growth habit
• Native range

Because common names can overlap, checking the scientific name provides a more reliable identification.

Are Asters Perennials or Annuals?

The garden asters are perennial flowers which have a tendency to survive for several years in a favorable environment.

In horticulture, however, it can also be used for other plants, and some plants that are sold under the same common name might have different growth cycles.

If a plant’s life cycle is important to your garden plan, always read a plant label to be sure of the botanical name before purchasing seeds or nursery plants.

How to Make Asters Bloom More

Healthy plants in the right location usually provide the best flowering performance.

To encourage abundant blooms:

• Give asters adequate sunlight.
• Avoid excessively wet soil.
• Provide consistent moisture during dry periods.
• Avoid overcrowding plants.
• Pinch young plants early in the growing season when appropriate.
• Remove diseased foliage promptly.
• Choose varieties suited to your climate.
• Divide mature plants when necessary.

Too much nitrogen can encourage leafy growth at the expense of flowers, so avoid excessive fertilization unless a soil test indicates a nutrient deficiency.

Why Asters Deserve a Place in the Garden

Aster flowers are beautiful, timely and ecologically valuable plants that combine these elements to make them attractive. They can provide garden interest after many summer perennials have finished blooming and their nectar and pollen can help pollinators.

They can also be flexible. There are varieties suitable for small spaces such as containers, and others that grow taller in the border and naturalistic gardens.

Care for asters is quite easy, and it is the secret of growing them to success. It’s choosing the correct variety, providing proper light and soil conditions and leaving sufficient room for growth.

Asters are an excellent selection for late season color for the garden that is also attractive to wildlife. These unique blooms can be one of the best features of any fall garden, if cared for properly and with the right variety.

Frequently Asked Questions About Asters

What is an aster flower?

An aster flower is a daisy-type flower that is made by plants that are commonly referred to as asters. The flowering perennials are mostly part of the Asteraceae family and are particularly appreciated for their late summer and fall color.

Are asters easy to grow?

Yes. With enough summer sun, good drainage, moisture and air circulation, most garden asters will be relatively easy to grow.

Do asters come back every year?

The garden asters that are most often planted are perennials which can come back every year given the right growing conditions.

Do asters bloom in fall?

Many asters bloom in late summer and fall, making them especially useful for extending the flowering season in perennial gardens.

What is the best place to plant asters?

It is generally best to plant in a sunny spot on well-drained, fertile soil. A few varieties can withstand partial shade.

Do asters attract pollinators?

Yes. Asters can provide nectar and pollen for bees, butterflies, and other pollinating insects, particularly during late summer and fall.

How tall do asters grow?

There is significant variation in the height of the various aster species and cultivars. Some are rather small, and some can grow to several feet tall. Please consider mature height when planting.

Can asters grow in pots?

Yes. Compact varieties can do well in containers if the pot is well drained, has the correct potting soil, and the pot is large enough to allow for root growth.