Smooth Blue Aster Symphyotrichum laeve 'Calliope'
ABOUT
Symphyotrichum laeve 'Calliope', commonly known as the smooth blue aster, is a perennial plant that is recognized for its charming and vibrant appearance. The plant has a bushy and compact growth habit, and it is adorned with numerous daisy-like flowers that make a beautiful display. These flowers are a striking violet-blue color, with a striking array of bright yellow centers that provide a lovely contrast against the petals. The foliage of the smooth blue aster is also quite noteworthy. The leaves are hairless and smooth, a characteristic which is reflected in the common name "smooth blue aster". The leaves have a lance-shape and are often arranged neatly along the stems of the plant, adding to its overall neat and tidy appearance. Throughout its blooming period, which generally occurs from late summer into the fall, the smooth blue aster becomes a hub of activity for pollinators. Bees and butterflies are particularly attracted to the nectar-rich flowers, further enhancing the plant's decorative appeal. Even after the blooming season, the seed heads can provide visual interest and serve as a food source for birds during the winter months. The smooth blue aster's beautiful blue flowers and yellow centers, combined with its attractive foliage and its ability to attract wildlife, make it an excellent choice for gardeners looking to create an eye-catching display that brings life to the garden throughout the seasons.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae.
Synonyms
Calliope Smooth Aster, Smooth Blue Aster, Smooth Aster 'Calliope'.
Common names
Aster laevis 'Calliope', Virgulus laevis 'Calliope'.
ToxicityTo humans
The plant commonly known as smooth blue aster has no notable toxicity to humans. It is not considered poisonous, and therefore ingesting parts of this plant typically does not result in harmful effects or symptoms of poisoning.
To pets
Smooth blue aster is similarly non-toxic to pets. It is not known to be poisonous to animals such as cats and dogs, so ingestion of this plant generally does not cause any adverse symptoms or long-term consequences related to toxicity.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Lavender
Height
3 feet 0.91 meters
Spread
2 feet 0.61 meters
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3-8
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: Provides nectar and pollen for bees, butterflies, and other pollinating insects, supporting biodiversity.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, it requires minimal care, making it suitable for novice gardeners or those with busy schedules.
- Drought Tolerant: Can survive periods of low rainfall, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Long Blooming Season: Offers beautiful blooms from late summer to frost, providing extended visual interest in the garden.
- Cold Hardy: Can withstand cold temperatures, making it a good choice for gardens in cooler climates.
- Deer Resistant: Less likely to be eaten by deer, avoiding the need for additional protective measures.
- Creates Habitat: Provides shelter and breeding grounds for beneficial insects and small wildlife.
- Aesthetic Appeal: Adds visual interest to gardens with its lavender to violet flowers and attractive foliage.
- Versatile Use: Suitable for borders, wildflower gardens, and as a cut flower for indoor arrangements.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- The aster 'Calliope' can be used as a natural dye, providing a range of colors from greens to browns depending on the mordant used.
- The dried flowers of 'Calliope' can be incorporated into potpourri mixtures for a subtle fragrance and decorative accent.
- The long stems and vibrant blooms are often used in flower arrangements and can provide structure to floral designs.
- Asters like 'Calliope' can be planted to help prevent soil erosion due to their root structure stabilizing the soil.
- In vegetable gardens, 'Calliope' can be planted as a companion plant to attract pollinators which are essential for crop production.
- The plant's presence can be utilized in a sensory garden, where its texture and color can be appreciated for sensory stimulation.
- 'Calliope' can be used in lunar gardening, where gardeners plant according to the phases of the moon, as it's a flowering plant best planted in the waxing phase.
- In art, the striking blooms can be used as a natural stencil for creating patterns or as an inspiration for paintings and illustrations.
- The petals of 'Calliope' can be used in crafting, for example in handmade papermaking for adding a splash of color to the paper.
- For educational purposes, 'Calliope' can serve as a model organism to study plant biology, life cycles, and pollinator attraction in schools and universities.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Smooth Blue Aster is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Smooth Blue Aster is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Peace: Symphyotrichum laeve, commonly known as Smooth Blue Aster, often symbolizes peace due to its gentle appearance and calming blue hue.
- Faith: The star-like shape of its flowers is associated with faith, representing guidance, hope, and a sense of direction.
- Wisdom: As a plant that blooms in the later part of the year, it is connected with maturity and the wisdom that comes with the passing of time.
- Eternal Love: The perennial nature of the Smooth Blue Aster signifies enduring love that lasts through the seasons.
- Patience: It takes time for this plant to reach full bloom, which is why it is often related to the virtue of patience.
WaterThe Smooth Blue Aster should be watered regularly, especially during its first growing season to establish a deep, extensive root system. Once established, it is quite drought-tolerant and will require less frequent watering. Watering should be done to the depth of about an inch once a week, depending on weather conditions. During particularly hot or dry periods, it may need watering twice a week. It's best to water this plant in the morning to allow the foliage to dry out during the day, reducing the risk of disease.
LightThe Smooth Blue Aster thrives in full sun, making it ideal for a spot that receives at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight a day. It can tolerate partial shade, especially in hot climates, but it will produce the most flowers in full sun. Avoid deeply shaded areas to promote healthy growth and abundant blooms.
TemperatureThe Smooth Blue Aster prefers moderate temperatures and will grow best in zones ranging from 4 to 8 in the United States. While it can survive temperatures slightly below freezing, its ideal growing conditions are between 60°F and 70°F. It can tolerate summer heat up to around 85°F but may require more frequent watering during these warmer periods.
PruningPrune the Smooth Blue Aster to maintain its shape and promote bushier growth, which also encourages more blooms. Pruning should be performed in the early spring or after the blooming period in late fall to remove any spent flowers and dead or damaged stems. This plant can be cut back by one-third of its height to keep it compact and to stimulate new growth.
CleaningAs needed
SoilSmooth Blue Aster 'Calliope' thrives best in well-draining soil with a mix of loam, compost, and a bit of sand or perlite, which ensures good aeration. The pH should be moderately acidic to neutral, ranging from 5.8 to 6.8 for optimal growth.
RepottingSmooth Blue Aster 'Calliope' generally doesn't require frequent repotting and can be repotted every 2-3 years to refresh the soil or if it has outgrown its current container.
Humidity & MistingSmooth Blue Aster 'Calliope' is tolerant of a wide range of humidity conditions and does not require any special humidity considerations when grown outdoors; it adapts well to ambient humidity levels.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and well-draining soil.
Outdoor
Full sun to partial shade, well-draining soil, moderate water.
Hardiness zone
3-8 USDA
Life cycleSymphyotrichum laeve 'Calliope', also known as smooth blue aster 'Calliope', begins its lifecycle when seeds germinate in the spring after a period of cold stratification, which breaks seed dormancy. The seedlings grow into vegetative plants, developing a rosette of leaves at the soil surface and an extensive root system. Throughout the spring and summer, the plant elongates, producing upright stems and leaves in a process called bolting, and prepares for the flowering stage. By late summer to fall, smooth blue aster 'Calliope' enters its flowering phase, where it produces clusters of purple to blue, occasionally pink or white, daisy-like flowers that attract pollinators. After pollination, these flowers develop into seed heads, which disperse seeds to continue the life cycle. With the onset of winter, the above-ground parts of the plant die back, while the root system remains viable underground to survive the cold and regenerate the next year.
PropogationPropogation time
Early spring
Propogation: For the Symphyotrichum laeve 'Calliope', also known as the smooth blue aster, propagation is commonly achieved through division, which is best carried out in the spring. When the new growth begins to show, gardeners can lift the parent plant from the soil, taking care to keep the root ball intact. Using a sharp spade or knife, the clump is then carefully separated into smaller sections, ensuring that each new division has a portion of the root system and several shoots. These divisions can be immediately replanted into a well-drained soil mix at the same depth they were previously growing. Watering thoroughly after replanting helps to establish the divisions. This method of propagation allows the plants to recover quickly and resume growth, leading to a display of flowers by late summer or early fall.
