Flower of the Day - Aster

Name: Aster

Latin Name: Aster sp.

Botanical Name: Calistephus Chinesis

Popular Name: China Aster

Plant Type: Perennial, zone 3-9

Bloom Color: Red, Pink, Purple, White

Blooming Time: Summer, Fall

Vase Life: 5-10 Days

Ethylene sensitivity: Not Ethylene Sensitive

Height: ranges from 8 inches to 8 feet, depending on the type

Check out these gorgeous, whimsical bouquets that all include Aster!

Special Care Instructions:

Plant in well-drained, moist soil in either partial shade or morning sun. Some varieties can be planted in full sun, but this varies, so be sure to check planting instructions. Compost, peat moss or mulch will retain moisture, control weeds and ensure plants have sufficient nutrients.

Your hole for transplanting asters should be twice as wide and deep as the plant's container. Plant the crown of the aster even with the ground level. Plant and thin plants to at least 18 inches apart to avoid overcrowding

Remember, asters are prone to mildew so be careful to plant them in areas with good circulation and good sun exposure.

Water asters as directed, but remember that they are considered a "drought tolerant" plant and do not like standing water.

Fun Facts:

They have many uses, such as in borders, rock gardens, or wildflower gardens. Asters also attract butterflies to your garden!

With their wildflower beauty and lush texture, asters have long been considered an enchanted flower. In ancient times, it was thought that the perfume from their burning leaves could drive away evil serpents. Today, they’re known as a talisman of love and a symbol of patience. Also known as starworts, Michaelmas daisies or Frost flowers, the name aster is derived from the Greek word for “star,” and its star-like flowers can be found in a rainbow of colors – white, red, pink, purple, lavender and blue, with mostly yellow centers. The September birth flower, asters also hold the honor of being the 20th wedding anniversary flower.

Thought to bring luck and protect against evil, legend has it that when the anemone closes its petals, it's a signal that rain is approaching. Still other mythology connects the anemone to magical fairies, which were believed to sleep under the petals after they closed at sunset. Perhaps it's because of this magical and prophetic tales that today in the language of flowers, anemones represent anticipation.