Aster tongolensis (East Indies aster) — Clump-forming, upright to bushy

Overview

Aster tongolensis 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. Aster tongolensis 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. It is native to China.

About

Aster tongolensis is a clump-forming perennial in the Asteraceae that carries its flowers late in the season. It grows upright to loosely branched and has deciduous, simple leaves that are often narrow and roughly textured. Flowering occurs August to October. Plants prefer full sun on fertile loam kept moist but well drained and are best placed on south, east or west-facing sites.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Aster tongolensis

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 tongolensis is a clump-forming perennial in the Asteraceae, native to China. It produces upright to loosely branched growth with narrow, roughly textured deciduous leaves and a run of blooms from August to October, making it a true late-season perennial. Position it in full sun on fertile loam and avoid thin, dry soils; the plant needs consistently moist but well-drained conditions and prefers neutral to slightly alkaline pH. It tolerates exposed or sheltered sites and carries an H6–H7 hardiness rating, meaning it is very hardy to fully hardy across most of the UK garden — it will withstand cold winters in exposed positions where less-hardy perennials might falter. Aster tongolensis suits sunny borders and any planting where late summer into autumn colour is required; place it where upright clumps can be seen from paths or seating areas rather than tucked behind dense foliage. Because the leaves are narrow and the habit is upright, its August–October flowering is visible above lower ground cover and can be used to extend the season where later interest is needed.

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 tongolensis size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Perennial
Habit: Clump-forming, upright to bushy
Foliage: Deciduous; simple, often narrow and roughly textured
Native to: China

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Aster tongolensis

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 tongolensis?

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 tongolensis?

Aster tongolensis prefers full sun. It suits exposed or sheltered positions.

What soil does Aster tongolensis need?

Aster tongolensis 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.