Aster novi-belgii (Michaelmas Daisy) — Clump-forming, upright to bushy

Overview

Aster novi-belgii 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 1.2 m tall. Aster novi-belgii 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 wildlife gardens. It is native to Southeastern U.S.A., New York, Northern America and Eastern Canada.

About

Aster novi-belgii is a perennial Michaelmas Daisy that flowers from August to October, providing late-summer and autumn colour. It grows in clump-forming, upright to well-branched shoots to about 1.2 m, with deciduous, narrow, roughly textured leaves. Plant in full sun on fertile loam that stays moist but is well drained and is neutral to slightly alkaline, in a south, east or west-facing position.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Symphyotrichum novi-belgii

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 novi-belgii belongs to the Asteraceae and is native to eastern North America (including the southeastern U.S.A., New York and eastern Canada). As a perennial it returns each year in a clump-forming habit and reaches roughly 1.2 m. Its autumn flowering (August to October) supplies colour late in the season when many other perennials are fading. Give it a sunny site on fertile loam that retains moisture yet drains freely; avoid thin, dry soils. A neutral to slightly alkaline pH suits it best. It tolerates exposed sites as well as sheltered ones and sits in the UK hardiness range H6–H7 (very hardy to fully hardy); it also corresponds to USDA zones 4–8. The plant's upright, well-branched growth habit makes it straightforward to place in a mixed border without overwhelming lower neighbours. Use Aster novi-belgii towards the back of borders, in wildlife areas or for cutting; the August–October blooms are suitable for late-season bouquets and for extending border interest into autumn.

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 novi-belgii size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Perennial
Habit: Clump-forming, upright to bushy
Foliage: Deciduous; simple, often narrow and roughly textured
Height: 1.2 m
Suggested uses: Borders, cut flowers, wildlife gardens
Native to: Southeastern U.S.A., New York, Northern America, Eastern Canada

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Aster novi-belgii

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 novi-belgii?

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 novi-belgii?

Aster novi-belgii prefers full sun. It suits exposed or sheltered positions.

What soil does Aster novi-belgii need?

Aster novi-belgii 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.