Aster amellus (Italian aster) — Clump-forming, upright to bushy

Overview

Aster amellus is a clump-forming, upright to bushy perennial in the genus Aster, part of the Asteraceae family, with deciduous; simple, often narrow and roughly textured foliage. It typically grows around 0.7 m tall. Aster amellus grows best in full sun, and tolerates fertile loam; avoid thin and dry soils soils and neutral to slightly alkaline pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6–H7. Suggested uses include borders, cottage gardens and cut flowers. It is native to Eastern Europe, Ukraine, Portugal, Baltic States, Austria, Czechoslovakia, Romania and Luxembourg.

About

Aster amellus is a clump-forming perennial in the Asteraceae, with erect, well-branched stems reaching about 0.7 m and narrow, roughly textured leaves. It reliably flowers from August to October, providing late-summer to autumn colour. Plant in fertile loam that is neutral to slightly alkaline and kept moist but well drained; avoid thin, dry soils. Suited to borders, cottage gardens and for use as cut flowers.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Aster amellus

About the genus

Aster is a genus of perennial flowering plants in the family Asteraceae. Its circumscription has been narrowed, and it now encompasses around 170 species, all but one of which are restricted to Eurasia; many species formerly in Aster are now in other genera of the tribe Astereae. Aster amellus is the type species of the genus and the family Asteraceae.

Wikipedia contributors, "Aster (genus)", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Aster (genus)

In the garden

Aster amellus belongs to the genus Aster within the Asteraceae and originates from parts of eastern and central Europe, including the Alps, the Baltic region, Romania and Portugal. As a clump-forming perennial it produces erect stems topped by its late-season blooms between August and October, and the foliage dies back as the season ends. Place Aster amellus in a sunny spot on fertile loam with a neutral to slightly alkaline reaction and consistent moisture but good drainage; it will not perform on thin, dry soils. Choose a south-, east- or west-facing position; the species tolerates both exposed and sheltered sites. It is rated H6–H7 for UK hardiness, meaning it is very hardy to fully hardy across most of the country (USDA 4–8), and reaches approximately 0.7 m at maturity. Use it in mixed herbaceous borders or traditional cottage borders where late-summer and autumn colour is required, and cut stems for seasonal bouquets. The narrow, deciduous leaves provide a textural contrast to broader-leaved perennials, and the August–October flowering period fills the gap between high summer and autumn perennials.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Aster

Sunlight: Full sun
Soil type: Fertile loam; avoid thin, dry soils
Soil pH: Neutral to slightly alkaline
Soil moisture: Moist but well drained
Aspect: South, east or west facing
Exposure: Exposed or sheltered
UK hardiness: H6–H7

Plant details

Aster amellus size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Perennial
Habit: Clump-forming, upright to bushy
Foliage: Deciduous; simple, often narrow and roughly textured
Height: 0.7 m
Suggested uses: Borders, cottage gardens, cut flowers
Native to: Eastern Europe, Ukraine, Portugal, Baltic States, Austria, Czechoslovakia, Romania, Luxembourg

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Aster amellus

Cultivation: Plant in an open, airy position — crowding is what brings on mildew. Divide every second or third year to maintain vigour, and pinch or Chelsea-chop the taller kinds in late spring to reduce the need for staking.
Pruning: Deadhead to prolong the display, then cut stems to the base after flowering, or leave them standing through winter for structure and wildlife.
Propagation: Divide in spring, replanting only the vigorous outer growth. Basal cuttings taken in spring root readily.
Pest resistance: Slugs may take young shoots in spring; otherwise generally trouble-free.
Disease resistance: Powdery mildew is the main weakness, especially among the older novi-belgii cultivars. The frikartii hybrids and the aster relatives are markedly more resistant.

Frequently asked questions

How do I grow Aster amellus?

Plant in an open, airy position — crowding is what brings on mildew. Divide every second or third year to maintain vigour, and pinch or Chelsea-chop the taller kinds in late spring to reduce the need for staking.

Where is the best place to plant Aster amellus?

Aster amellus prefers full sun. It suits exposed or sheltered positions.

What soil does Aster amellus need?

Aster amellus grows best in fertile loam; avoid thin and dry soils soil. It prefers neutral to slightly alkaline soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well drained.