- Botanical Name
- Alpine Aster Blue: Aster alpinus. ‘Snow White’: A. hybrid. ’Mason Reed’: A. ageratoides. ‘Orpheus’: Symphyotrichum laevis Syn. Aster laevis
- Plant Type
- Herbaceous perennial
- Size (HxW)
- Alpine: 20-30cm x 20-30cm. ‘Mason Reed: 50-60cm x 50-60cm.‘Orpheus’: 80-120cm x 40-70cm. ‘Snow White’: 40-50cm x 40-50cm.
- Depth & Spacing
- Plant at the same level as it is in the pot with roots spread evenly below soil surface, see above for spacing.
- Soil
- Moderately fertile to humus rich, moist, well drained soil is ideal. They don’t like to be cold and wet, so good drainage is important.
- Aspect
- Full sun to semi shade
- Climate
- Cool to Mediterranean
- Frost
- Hardy
- Water
- Water to establish (this can take four weeks of regular watering for the roots to penetrate the surrounding soil) then you only need worry if rainfall is low. Water regularly in pots, don’t forget, potting mix is perfectly drained.
- Fertiliser
- Apply a well balanced fertiliser in spring.
- Flowering Time
- Blue: Spring to summer. ‘Mason Reed’, ‘Orpheus’: Summer to autumn.
- After Flower Care
- Cut off spent flowers and remove dead and dying foliage.
- Notes
- After the first year, cut back to the ground each winter – when they begin to look untidy – this will help them look lovely and bushy. Ideally water well then mulch for spring and summer. They make great cut flowers. Keep an eye out for powdery mildew – though this plant has great resistance and avoid by ensuring the plants have room to grow. This Aster can be short lived so allow seed to fall or collect for future generations and divide every three years or so to keep them vigorous. Watch out for slugs and snails with new foliage.
Aster 'Alpine Aster Blue'
Shop Aster 'Alpine Aster Blue'
Aster 'Alpine Aster Blue'
Aster 'Alpine Aster Blue'
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