Aster tradescantii of gardens — Clump-forming, upright to bushy

Overview

Aster tradescantii of gardens 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 tradescantii of gardens 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.

About

Aster tradescantii of gardens is a perennial Aster in the Asteraceae that forms upright, clump-forming plants and provides late-season flowers from August to October. The foliage is deciduous, simple and often narrow with a rough texture. It favours full sun in fertile loam that remains moist but well drained and should not be placed on thin, dry soils. Plants tolerate exposed or sheltered sites and are very hardy to fully hardy in UK gardens (H6–H7).

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 tradescantii of gardens sits within the genus Aster (family Asteraceae) and is maintained in cultivation for its late summer to autumn display. As the botanical name indicates, this entry refers to garden-grown forms rather than a specific wild provenance. Expect upright, clump-forming growth with simple, often narrow leaves of rough texture that die back in winter. Plant it in a sunny site — south, east or west facing — where the soil is a fertile loam. Avoid thin, dry soils; the plant performs best where the ground remains moist but is not waterlogged. Aim for a neutral to slightly alkaline pH and a spot that can be either exposed or sheltered without specialist winter protection. In UK hardiness terms it sits in H6–H7, making it very hardy to fully hardy across most of the country (USDA zones 4–8). Use it toward the rear of a sunny herbaceous border or in mixed perennial beds where upright clumps can be seen through the late season. Flowering runs from August to October, so place it where autumn blooms extend the border’s season. Sited in the recommended soil and aspect, the clumps will carry their late-season flowers well into autumn.

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 tradescantii of gardens size, habit and characteristics

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

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Aster tradescantii of gardens

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 tradescantii of gardens?

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 tradescantii of gardens?

Aster tradescantii of gardens prefers full sun. It suits exposed or sheltered positions.

What soil does Aster tradescantii of gardens need?

Aster tradescantii of gardens 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.