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

Overview

Aster tongolensis 'Berggarten' 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 'Berggarten' 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 'Berggarten' is a clump-forming perennial aster that produces late-summer to autumn flowers from August to October. The plant grows upright with simple, often narrow leaves that have a rough texture and are deciduous. It prefers a sunny, south-, east- or west-facing position in fertile, moist but well-drained loam with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH. Rated H6–H7, it tolerates most UK winters where soils do not remain waterlogged.

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 'Berggarten' is an Asian perennial native to China and belongs to the family Asteraceae. It forms upright clumps that flower reliably from August to October, providing late-season interest when many summer perennials are past their best. The foliage is simple and often narrow with a rough texture and is deciduous. Plant in full sun on a fertile loam; avoid thin, dry soils. The species favours moist but well-drained conditions and a neutral to slightly alkaline pH. Position it on a south-, east- or west-facing aspect; it will tolerate sites that are exposed or sheltered. Hardiness is H6–H7 (very hardy to fully hardy) and corresponds to USDA zones 4–8, so it will withstand the majority of UK winters provided drainage is adequate. In the garden place Aster tongolensis 'Berggarten' in mixed perennial borders or at the back of sunny beds where its late flowering can be seen. Stake only if stems become floppy in very exposed sites; otherwise allow clumps to remain intact to support neighbouring plants. Note that the simple, often narrow leaves are deciduous and will disappear after the growing season.

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 'Berggarten' 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 'Berggarten'

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 'Berggarten'?

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 'Berggarten'?

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

What soil does Aster tongolensis 'Berggarten' need?

Aster tongolensis 'Berggarten' 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.