Aster novae-angliae (New England Aster) — Clump-forming, upright to bushy

Overview

Aster novae-angliae 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 1.5 m tall. Aster novae-angliae 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, wildflower gardens and pollinator gardens. It is native to Eastern Canada, Northeastern U.S.A. and Southeastern U.S.A..

About

Aster novae-angliae is a clump-forming perennial in the Asteraceae that produces upright stems to about 1.5 m. Leaves are deciduous, simple and often narrow with a roughly textured surface. It flowers in late summer and autumn, from August to October, and prefers full sun and reliably moist, fertile loam. Plant where it can receive south, east or west-facing light and avoid thin, dry soils.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Symphyotrichum novae-angliae

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 novae-angliae is native to eastern Canada and the north‑eastern and south‑eastern United States and arrives in the garden as a tall, clump-forming perennial in the Aster family. It reaches roughly 1.5 m and carries narrow, roughly textured leaves that are lost over winter. Flowering runs from August to October, providing late-summer into autumn interest. For planting, choose a sunny spot (south, east or west facing) in fertile loam that stays moist but drains well; thin, dry soils should be avoided. It tolerates exposed sites as well as sheltered positions and suits soils that are neutral to slightly alkaline. In UK hardiness terms it sits at H6–H7 (very hardy to fully hardy), and its USDA range is 4–8. Use Aster novae-angliae towards the back of mixed borders, in wildflower schemes or in pollinator-focused beds where its height gives late-season structure. Allow space for a 1.5 m stature when siting and combine with lower perennials so the stems can be seen during its August to October flowering period.

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 novae-angliae size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Perennial
Habit: Clump-forming, upright to bushy
Foliage: Deciduous; simple, often narrow and roughly textured
Height: 1.5 m
Suggested uses: Borders, wildflower gardens, pollinator gardens
Native to: Eastern Canada, Northeastern U.S.A., Southeastern U.S.A.

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Aster novae-angliae

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 novae-angliae?

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 novae-angliae?

Aster novae-angliae prefers full sun. It suits exposed or sheltered positions.

What soil does Aster novae-angliae need?

Aster novae-angliae 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.