The Aster plant genus contains around 500 species of plants divided into herbaceous, deciduous and perennials. Each plant of the Aster genus differs based on the class to which it belongs and therefore starting from the appearance of each specimen. This plant loves rocky soil and grows very well along garden borders or flowerbeds.
Aster, the plant with an ancient and particular meaning
The flower produced is similar to that of daisies but can come in different colors. Among the various existing species we find for example the Aster Alpinus , with a height of around 15-20 cm characterized by a diameter of 35/40 cm. The leaves are spatulate and have a light fuzz on the surface, they are lanceolate in shape. The flowers produced by this particular species are purple, pink or white in color and the center wears shades of orange and yellow. The Aster Alpinus plant blooms between July and August . There is another species of Aster called Aster novi-belgii which is a perennial herbaceous plant with a bushy habit. This plant can reach 90 cm in height and one meter in width.
There are more than 500 Aster species: here are the characteristics
Also in this case the plant has lanceolate and pointed leaves. The flowers it produces are equipped with numerous pink or lilac but also white petals. The center of the corolla is yellow. This species is also commonly called “September flower” due to its flowering period which starts at the end of summer and lasts until the end of October. Together with the novi belgii, the novae angliae are also included among the septembrini. Always considering the flowering period, the flowers of the Aster dumosus, with a shrubby and groundcover habit, capable of reaching 40-50 cm in height, also bloom by September.
How to grow Aster? Let’s start with the type of terrain
Aster dumosus bushes are green and round, they also have very smooth green leaves. This species produces many small flowers with white or blue petals with a yellow center. This plant prefers light and nutritious soils, i.e. rich in minerals. When planting, incorporate some compost or organic substance into the soil. Be careful of waterlogging: Aster requires extremely draining soil.
Environment
The aster loves the sun, it grows well even in bright shade but a sunny environment will be perfect for its growth. Provide the plant with a guardian, especially if it is still young: in this way it will be able to resist bad weather such as wind and heavy rain.
Watering
The plant needs constant water in the summer and spring seasons. Don’t overdo it though, the above rule applies: the aster hates stagnant water so always make sure the soil is moist and not soaked before watering again.
Flowering
Water the plant even when it has not yet produced flowers. To make the Aster capable of producing a grandiose flowering you will have to know that it is important to trim it from the moment of planting until the beginning of July. This operation will lead to the formation of numerous buds. Remember to remove the flowers that gradually wither, this will allow the plant to produce new ones.
The name of the plant: why is it called that?
The name of the plant comes from the Greek in which the word aster (lit. “astro”) takes on the figurative meaning of ” star-shaped flower “. The first evidence of this denomination dates back to Linnaeus who introduced the botanical characteristics in 1735. However, the flower was already known before and was considered a symbol of inspiration for fantasies and ideas beyond the ordinary.