How to Plant, Grow and Care for Asters
Looking to add some flowers to the fall garden? As other perennials are starting to slow down, asters are just getting started, adding color to the landscape and providing support for pollinators. Asters are long-lived perennials that are members of the Asteraceae or daisy family. Typically, you’ll start to notice them late in the summer, blooming in response to shorter days, with flowers that can range from blue to purple to white depending on the species. Among the more popular cultivars are New England aster ‘Purple Dome’ Bushy Aster ‘Wood’s Pink’ ‘Kristina’ Asters can be grown in containers as annuals, on the porch or deck. For the best results in the long term, asters need to be planted in the perennial bed. Start by selecting a spot in the garden that receives a minimum of six hours of direct sunlight. Asters planted in less than full sun will grow tall and scraggly, wit...
