Aster novi-belgii Dwarf Strain (New York Aster) — Clump-forming, upright to bushy

Overview

Aster novi-belgii Dwarf Strain 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 Dwarf Strain 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 Southeastern U.S.A., New York, Northern America and Eastern Canada.

About

Aster novi-belgii Dwarf Strain is a clump-forming perennial that provides late-season flowering from August to October. It grows to about 1.2 m and carries deciduous, often narrow and roughly textured leaves. Best planted in full sun on fertile loam that remains moist but drains well; avoid thin, dry soils. Suitable on south, east or west aspects and tolerates both exposed and sheltered positions.

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

Native to parts of eastern North America, including the region around New York and eastern Canada, Aster novi-belgii Dwarf Strain offers dependable late-summer into autumn interest with its flowering period running from August to October. The plant forms upright clumps to roughly 1.2 m and has simple, narrow leaves that die back at the end of the season. Locate plants in a full-sun spot with fertile loam; soils should be neutral to slightly alkaline and kept moist but well drained. Thin, dry soils are unsuitable. It will grow on south, east or west-facing banks and copes with both exposed and sheltered sites. In UK terms the hardiness rating H6–H7 means it is very hardy to fully hardy; the equivalent USDA range is 4–8. Use this Aster in mixed borders where late-season blooms extend the display, in cottage-style planting or to supply stems for cutting. Its clump-forming habit makes it straightforward to space in drifts or as a background element at about 1.2 m high, and cutting stems at peak bloom supplies material suited to arrangements.

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 Dwarf Strain 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, cottage gardens
Native to: Southeastern U.S.A., New York, Northern America, Eastern Canada

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Aster novi-belgii Dwarf Strain

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 Dwarf Strain?

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 Dwarf Strain?

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

What soil does Aster novi-belgii Dwarf Strain need?

Aster novi-belgii Dwarf Strain 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.