Asters
Common names Beanary's Composition Formula Mix
Latin name --
Life cycle Perennial
Height 2.5-3 ft
Space 12-15" apart apart
Bloom Aug to Oct
Light Sun to partial shade
Soil well-drained, humus-rich
Zone Zone 4
Feature Attracts butterflies, rabbit resistant
Use:
These asters produce double and semi-double soft pink, white, rose, red, blue, and purple blooms in late summer and into fall when few other plants are in bloom. They are very showy and suitable for a background plant in the perennial border or for a wildflower garden. They look good combined with artemisias and ornamental grasses. They provide a generous source of long-lasting cut flowers.


Culture:
Pinching back new growth a few inches in the spring will encourage the plant to branch and remain compact. Asters spread vigorously and need plenty of space so that they do not become stunted and quit blooming. The center of the plants can become stemmy, leafless and unproductive as the plants get older and need dividing. Dig up the clumps and divide them into pieces about the size of your fists. Replant them in fertile soil amended with a little lime to make it alkaline.



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