Asters are versatile flowers, known for their diverse features and flexible uses. Their vibrant colors and varying sizes make them an excellent choice for all types of gardens. Let's delve deeper.
Type of Asters and their Uses
From borders to flower beds, Asters can bring charm to different spots in your garden. If you prefer having rockeries or borders, consider planting varieties like Asters alpinus and Asters Dumosus. Generally, these types thrive in these settings.
Asters novi-belgii and Asters novae-angliae are more suitable if you have flower beds. Their stunning blooms can enhance the aesthetic of your space.
Lastly, for a rustic touch, Asters ericoïdes and Aster laterifolius are your go-to varieties. These plants form a cloud of starry flowers, adding an element of whimsy to your landscape.
Planting Tips for Asters
Asters bloom best when planted in autumn. Therefore, selecting varieties that flower in this season can optimize the plant's growth. One beneficial practice is selecting potted plants with a few flowers. This way, you can ensure you are choosing the right color for your garden.
Before planting, soak your Asters in water. This step can facilitate potting. It's also necessary to prepare the ground by removing weeds and ploughing. Dig a hole that is slightly larger than the root ball of your plant.
Remember to choose a sunny spot in your garden. Asters thrive in sunlight. When planting, cover the bottom of the hole with compost. Plant your Aster and tamp the soil around the root ball. Make sure to leave about 60 cm of space between plants. This space is beneficial for air circulation and can help prevent powdery mildew.
Caring Tips for Asters
Watering greatly influences the health of your Asters. Water your plants when the soil's surface layer appears dry. Keep in mind that under or over-watering can harm the plant. Under-watering can inhibit energy transport, making the plant weak. On the other hand, over-watering can make the environment waterlogged, leading to root rot and nutrient absorption issues.
Fertilizers can enhance your Asters' flowering. However, avoid fertilizers high in nitrogen as they promote leaf growth over flowers. A low nitrogen N-P-K fertilizer is a better choice.
Deadheading, or removing spent flowers, can encourage new growth. After the blooming period, trim your plants to approximately ten cm from the ground. Avoid pruning during frost periods.
Pairing Asters with Other Plants
The charm of Asters can be amplified when paired with other plants. Consider incorporating grasses, sedums, rudbeckias, or dahlias in the same flower bed as your Asters. This mix can create a balanced and visually pleasing aesthetic for your garden.