Aster oblongifolius. Photograph by Ramez Antoun
This past weekend, my daughter and son-in-law came to visit. I love when they come because my son-in-law shares my affinity for growing things. Each time he comes we spend most of the weekend outside. Besides being a fine gardener, Ramez is also an excellent photographer. He has the skill, the eye and the equipment that I don’t. So each time he comes I ask him to take a few pictures. This trip, he focused on my fall asters. As you can see in these pictures, they are beautiful this time of year.
The aster I grow is a Texas native (Aster oblongifolius). One of its common names is Fall Aster. It is one of the last plants to bloom in the fall. Fall aster is a clumping perennial that spreads to about 36” and can reach 24”in height. It is almost an evergreen plant and often keeps its leaves for 10 or 11 months. Because of this, it works well in the perennial border. Even though fall asters are relatively unremarkable most of the year, they really redeem themselves in the fall. Starting in early October this plant literally explodes with color. Small star shaped purple flowers with yellow centers literally cover the foliage. A mass of these plants is stunning. Even though they are beautiful on their own, you can pair it with several Golden Rod varieties and create a very attractive fall border in a complimentary color scheme.
Fall aster is a very hearty plant and it can be grown in just about any soil the great state of Texas has to offer. Mine is growing in black clay and it is thriving. Asters are easy to grow from seed and you can also divide existing clumps to get more plants. They are relatively disease and pest free. The only negative that I am aware of with this plant is the fact that the stems seem to loose their lower leaves as they age. This can be helped by cutting back about a third of the plant in the summer.
More Texas Fall Asters. Photo by Ramez Antoun
Asters have been grown all over the world for a very long time. The English love them. Our native version is just as pretty as any of their foreign cousins. Plant this hearty and beautiful plant now and you will be rewarded with stunning borders for many Octobers to come.
what time of year would you seed asters for fall bloom? Many thanks!
Hey Gretchen, thanks for the question. The general rule for planting perennials is to plant them in the season opposite to their bloom time. So technically plant fall asters in the spring. I have never planted asters from seed. Typically fall asters are bought as small plants. If you buy the little plants you can put them out now. All perennials can be planted in Zone 9 anytime of the year. However, the do best if planted in late fall. For best success I would suggest going to the Natural Gardener and picking up a few plants and get them in the ground this week. BTW, love your website. I have a daughter that is a floral designer so I have a special place in my heart for folks like you! Good luck with the asters!