7 most popular types of perennial asters and how to grow them
Content
Flower features
Perennial plants look great against the background of noble conifers and ornamental shrubs. Low-growing asters are more suitable for framing garden paths and ridges. They can be used to decorate window openings in gazebos, roofs of terraces and even brides' hairstyles. It is only necessary to remove drooping stems in time and spray the flowers with water and lemon juice at least twice a day.
In nature, there are about 600 species of shrub asters. Each of them differs in the structure of the stems, the diameter of the inflorescences and the timing of budding. Autumn asters can be found in the central and southern regions of Russia. Perennials predominate in the middle zone of the country. The main features of these varieties are:
- straight branched stems;
- reed and tubular petals;
- dark green leaves, in harmony with inflorescences of scarlet, purple, pink and blue shades;
- baskets of different diameters (from 2 to 8 cm) - the advantage of bush asters;
- reproduction by seeds and division;
- good resistance to low temperatures.
Early varieties delight with flowering until mid-summer. Late - until the first frost.
Video "Reproduction of a perennial aster by dividing a bush"
From this video you will learn how to properly propagate a perennial aster by dividing a bush.
Most popular varieties
Branched bushes of curb asters reach a height of 35–40 cm. The plant is not afraid of frost and develops well in the open field. A characteristic feature of this species are spherical pink flowers.
Alpine
The diameter of the flower rosettes varies from 4 to 7 cm. In the shape of the petals, the plant resembles a chamomile. The only difference is the soft purple shade of the inflorescences, symbolizing repentance and inspiration. The plant blooms from late May to mid-November. Fragrant species with orange heads can brighten the front of your yard.
If you need a low hedge that delimits the recreation area and work in the country, it is better to pay attention to the Alpine beauty with blue or pink inflorescences. The list of the most popular varieties is headed by Rosea, Ruber, Superbus and the lord of summer Goliath.
Italian
With a rather strict form of the bush, the plant stands out favorably against the background of other lush-flowering relatives. It is distinguished by thin pubescent shoots, dense leaves and rather voluminous inflorescences. The shrubs often reach a height of 60 cm, and their dense branching helps to maintain neat hemispherical shapes.
Renewal buds in most species are at ground level. Seed ripening occurs from early June until October. One inflorescence contains from 12 to 15 flowers. Leaves with slightly pointed tops lend a special charm to symmetrical bouquets. If you want to create a pyramid-shaped Biedermeier, it is better to use Italian asters with lanceolate leaves. This refers to the Kobold and Rosea varieties.
Bessarabskaya
These are lush shrubs with numerous inflorescences. They reach a height of 75–80 cm, which is especially important for the original design of a front garden or rockery.Flowers with a dark brown center are a feature of the species. These plants are not afraid of temperature extremes, so they can be grown in almost any region of the country.
Bessarabian aster adjoins well with marigolds, geraniums and phlox. In a bouquet it can be combined with roses, freesias and alstroemerias. The flowering period lasts several months - from early summer to mid-autumn. With proper care, the species can exist for a long time in clay pots and hanging planters.
New English
The plant shows good resistance to fungal diseases, so the use of biofungicides is not necessary. Other advantages of this variety include large semi-double inflorescences and strong shoots. The minimum height of the shrub is 120 cm, the maximum is 190 cm. In both cases, excellent hedges are obtained, with the help of which you can not only hide from the prying eyes of others, but also divide the backyard territory into several functional zones.
Spherical
The plant belongs to the group of annuals, so planting is carried out at least 2 times a year. Low bushes up to 50 cm are ideal for decorating garden paths, curbs and front gardens. If you need to decorate the area near an artificial fountain, there is no better option.
Strong flower stalks from 35 to 40 cm long serve as the basis for creating festive bouquets. Lush heads look good against the background of decorative sunflowers, daisies and roses. It is better to use purple, blue, pink and white asters to decorate banquet halls. In combination with satin ribbons, chiffon bows and rhinestones, they warm up the atmosphere of family happiness and romance.
Terry
Flowering begins in early autumn and lasts until the end of November. With proper care, this period can really be extended until mid-December. A characteristic feature of the variety is the fluffy inflorescences and the ligulate shape of the petals. As for the color of the flowers, they can be red, pink, blue, occasionally yellow and purple.
The plant takes root well outdoors and is ideal for room beauty lovers. Terry asters are propagated mainly by seed. They are undemanding to the place of growth, but they develop better in medium loamy soils.
Bush
A feature of the species is a powerful root system that gives life to numerous shoots. Single-cut leaves, like an upper decoration, envelop the graceful waist of a lush coquette. Red, but mostly blue flowers are collected in corymbose inflorescences with a diameter of 2-4 cm.
Shrub asters are unpretentious to care for. Most varieties are not afraid of drought and frost. If we talk about their compatibility with other plants in the front garden, they coexist well with begonias and junipers. Miniature Alice Haslam blooms in spring, while Jenny and Blau Lagoon plants bloom from June to September.
Landing rules
Perennial asters do not tolerate high humidity, so they should not be planted in lowlands. Heat-loving species develop better in sunlit areas. Before boarding, it is important:
- weed out the weeds;
- dig up the ground well, reaching a 35-centimeter depth;
- treat the wells with a solution of potassium permanganate to prevent the reproduction of insect pests;
- add dolomite flour to the soil, which prevents nitrogen starvation of plants.
Fresh seeds should be applied to open ground in September or at the end of April. As soon as the seedlings get stronger, they can be transplanted to another, now permanent place.
Care
Most perennials are moisture-loving plants. But this does not mean that they need to be watered day and night. The optimal interval between watering is 2-3 weeks, and in conditions of frequent rains - from 25 to 30 days. Asters are recommended to huddle long before flowering. This is necessary to strengthen the root system.In order for perennials to please with magnificent forms until the end of the entire generative period, it is important to cut off dried flowers in a timely manner.
Plants can overwinter outdoors. To do this, you need to remove their aboveground part, and cover the flower bed itself with a dense layer of mown grass or straw. Ammonium nitrate, mullein and calcium sulfate are useful as top dressing.
Asters are not pruned before flowering. This can only be done before the wintering of perennials.