About
Aster scaber is a robust perennial that can grow up to approximately 1.2 meters tall. While it is traditionally harvested as a spring vegetable in Korea, it also serves as an attractive addition to gardens. The plant features large, scalloped green foliage and produces numerous white flowers resembling daisies, which bloom from late summer into autumn, attracting various pollinators. The young leaves can be picked in the spring for a herby, earthy flavor, while older leaves can be dried for later use. These leaves can be consumed either raw or cooked, making them suitable for stir-fries or as wraps for seasoned rice and vegetables.
About the genus
Aster includes perennials, annuals, and subshrubs, typically characterized by slender leaves and flowers that resemble daisies, either appearing alone or in clusters.
Growing conditions
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Bushy, Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 1-1.5 metres
- Spread
- 1-1.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants
- Native to
- Far East
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Grow in fertile, humus-rich soil in sun or part shade
- Pruning
- Cut back in autumn
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed in spring to summer or propagate by cuttings in spring
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free