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

Overview

Aster amellus 'Sonia' 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 'Sonia' 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, cut flowers and cottage gardens. It is native to Eastern Europe, Ukraine, Portugal, Baltic States, Austria, Czechoslovakia, Romania and Luxembourg.

About

Aster amellus 'Sonia' is a clump-forming perennial in the Asteraceae that reaches about 0.7 m with upright, well-branched stems. The leaves are deciduous, simple and often narrow with a rough texture. It flowers from August to October, offering late-season blooms. Best grown in a sunny spot in fertile, moist but well-drained soil of neutral to slightly alkaline reaction.

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 'Sonia' belongs to the Aster genus and originates from parts of eastern and central Europe, including Ukraine, the Baltic states, Austria and Romania, with pockets as far west as Portugal and Luxembourg. As a clump-forming perennial it produces upright stems to around 0.7 m and carries its flowers late in the season from August to October. It sits within the Asteraceae family and is valued for those autumn blooms. Plant into fertile loam and avoid thin, dry soils; the roots prefer moisture without waterlogging. Position in full sun on a south, east or west facing aspect where soil is neutral to slightly alkaline. Aster amellus 'Sonia' tolerates both exposed and sheltered sites and is rated H6–H7 in the UK (very hardy to fully hardy), equivalent to USDA zones 4–8. Use it towards the front or middle of mixed borders, in cottage-style schemes or as a source of cut flowers; stems are appropriate for cutting during its August–October flowering period. Its clump-forming habit means allow space for a compact group rather than a single specimen, and choose a fertile soil to keep flower production at its best.

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 'Sonia' 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, cut flowers, cottage gardens
Native to: Eastern Europe, Ukraine, Portugal, Baltic States, Austria, Czechoslovakia, Romania, Luxembourg

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Aster amellus 'Sonia'

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 'Sonia'?

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 'Sonia'?

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

What soil does Aster amellus 'Sonia' need?

Aster amellus 'Sonia' 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.