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

Overview

Aster tongolensis 'Wendy' 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 'Wendy' 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 'Wendy' is a clump-forming perennial in the Asteraceae that produces late-summer to autumn flowers from August to October. It bears deciduous, often narrow leaves with a roughly textured surface. Plant in full sun on fertile, neutral to slightly alkaline loam that is moist but well drained, avoiding thin, dry soils. It tolerates exposed or sheltered positions and is rated H6–H7 for UK hardiness.

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 'Wendy' is a perennial aster native to China, growing as upright, clump-forming stems topped by late-season blooms from August to October. The foliage is deciduous and typically narrow with a rough texture, which gives the plant a clear seasonal outline in borders. As a member of the Asteraceae it provides late-summer to autumn interest when many other perennials are past their peak. Give it a sunny site and a fertile loam that retains moisture yet drains freely; avoid thin, dry soils where it will underperform. Soil should be neutral to slightly alkaline and the plant suits south, east or west-facing aspects. It will tolerate both exposed and sheltered locations and is hardy in UK zones H6–H7 (around USDA 4–8), so it survives most UK winters without special protection. Use Aster tongolensis 'Wendy' towards the back of herbaceous borders, in mixed perennial beds or where late-season colour is needed to extend the garden season. Plant in groups for a stronger display and allow room for clump expansion; the upright habit and autumn flowering mean it carries interest well into the cooler months, with flowers reliably appearing from August to October.

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 'Wendy' 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 'Wendy'

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 'Wendy'?

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 'Wendy'?

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

What soil does Aster tongolensis 'Wendy' need?

Aster tongolensis 'Wendy' 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.