Frikart's Aster Aster × frikartii 'Flora's Delight'
ABOUT
Aster 'Flora's Delight' is a captivating perennial known for its lush green foliage and abundant flowers. Its leaves are typically a deep, rich green, providing a beautiful contrast to the bright blooms. The plant bursts into a display of daisy-like flowers that are a standout feature. These flowers are characteristically large with a joyful color palette that can include shades of lilac, pink, or light purple. The petals are arranged in a neat radial pattern around a prominent yellow central disk, which is a common characteristic of aster flowers; this gives a cheerful, sun-like appearance to each bloom. The overall impression of the Aster 'Flora's Delight' is one of a robust and floriferous plant, charming in its radiant beauty and capable of adding a pop of color to any garden setting. Its appearance signifies the late summer to fall season, being one of the highlights of this time in the garden with its delightful and lasting blossoms.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
Frikart's Aster, Flora's Delight
Common names
Aster × frikartii 'Flora's Delight'.
ToxicityTo humans
Frikart's Aster 'Flora's Delight', which is a specific cultivar of Aster × frikartii, does not have widely reported toxicity to humans. In general, true asters (from the Asteraceae family) have no major known toxic effects when touched or ingested by humans. However, as with any plant, individuals may have allergies or sensitivities that could cause mild irritation or allergic reactions, such as dermatitis or hives. Nonetheless, if consumed in large amounts, it could potentially cause stomach upset, but this is not common. Therefore, the consequences of ingesting parts of Frikart's Aster 'Flora's Delight' are relatively minor for humans.
To pets
Frikart's Aster 'Flora's Delight', which is a specific cultivar of Aster × frikartii, is generally considered non-toxic to pets, including cats and dogs. There is no widespread evidence to suggest that ingestion of Frikart's Aster by pets leads to serious health consequences. That being said, some pets may have a sensitivity or allergy to the plant that could cause minor gastrointestinal upset, like vomiting or diarrhea, particularly if ingested in large quantities. To stay safe, it's always advisable to prevent pets from eating ornamental plants, as individual pets may react differently.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Purple
Height
2 feet (0.61 meters)
Spread
2 feet (0.61 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: Frikart's Aster 'Flora's Delight' is known to attract butterflies, bees, and other beneficial insects that are vital for pollination.
- Long Blooming Period: This perennial plant has a long flowering period, usually from mid-summer to autumn, providing extended color in the garden.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, Frikart's Aster is relatively drought-tolerant, making it a good choice for gardens in drier climates or for xeriscaping.
- Low Maintenance: It requires minimal care once established, making it ideal for gardeners seeking low-maintenance landscaping options.
- Colorful Addition to Borders: The vibrant lavender-blue flowers of Frikart's Aster add beautiful color and contrast when planted in borders alongside other perennials.
- Cut Flower Use: The long stems and attractive blooms make Frikart's Aster suitable for cutting and using in floral arrangements.
- Cold Hardy: It is tolerant of cold temperatures and can thrive in cooler climates, making it suitable for many temperate gardens.
- Attractive Foliage: The dark green foliage of Frikart's Aster 'Flora's Delight' provides a lush backdrop for its colorful flowers and adds texture to the garden.
- Versatile Planting Options: Can be used in a variety of garden settings, including cottage gardens, perennial beds, mixed borders, and containers.
- Resistant to Deer: Generally resistant to deer browsing, which is an advantage in areas where deer predation is a problem for gardeners.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Aster 'Flora's Delight' can be used as a natural fabric dye, providing shades of pink or purple depending on the mordant used.
- The petals of the Aster 'Flora's Delight' can be pressed and included in personal stationery or greeting cards for a unique floral touch.
- These flowers can be used in potpourri mixes, contributing to delicate fragrances and adding aesthetic variety due to their colorful blooms.
- Dried Asters can be incorporated into decorative wreaths and garlands, bringing a splash of color to home decor that lasts beyond the blooming season.
- The Aster 'Flora's Delight' is often used in photography due to its vibrant colors and attractiveness to pollinators, making it an ideal subject for nature and garden photography.
- Edible parts of the plant may be used in salads or as garnishes to add a pop of color to culinary dishes, though this should be done with caution and proper identification to ensure non-toxicity.
- Fine art uses the flower as an inspiration or a direct subject in various forms of painting and drawing, celebrating its aesthetic appeal.
- Asters can be used in educational settings such as schools or botanical study groups to demonstrate plant growth, flower structure, and pollination.
- Eco-friendly confetti can be made from dried Aster petals, offering a biodegradable alternative to traditional paper or plastic confetti.
- Floral artists may use Asters in the art of Ikebana, the Japanese art of flower arranging, which emphasizes shape, line, and form.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe plant Frikart's Aster is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe plant Frikart's Aster is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Patience: Asters often bloom in late summer to fall, when many other flowers have finished their display, leading to the association with patience as they wait to showcase their beauty.
- Elegance: With their daisy-like appearance and refined petals, asters, including 'Flora's Delight', represent elegance and sophistication.
- Charm: The delicate form and vibrant colors of the aster can symbolize charm and an enchanting personality.
- Wisdom: In some traditions, the aster is a symbol of wisdom and knowledge, as its blooming coincides with the back-to-school season in many cultures.
- Love: Asters can convey feelings of love and affection, making them a choice for bouquets and arrangements meant to express these sentiments.
WaterFrikart's Aster should be watered thoroughly whenever the top inch of the soil feels dry to the touch, generally about once a week during active growth periods. Provide enough water to moisten the soil to a depth of at least 6 to 8 inches, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone. Decrease watering frequency during the dormant season, but do not allow the soil to become completely dry. Depending on conditions such as temperature and humidity, this might equate to 1-2 gallons of water per week during peak summer months. Monitor the plant's response to watering and adjust as necessary, considering rainfall and changes in weather.
LightFrikart's Aster thrives best in full sun to partial shade. For optimal growth and flower production, plant it in a spot that gets at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. While the plant can tolerate some light shade, too much shade can lead to fewer flowers and a leggy growth habit. The ideal spot would be in a garden bed with clear southern or western exposure, where it can bask in the sun's rays for most of the day.
TemperatureFrikart's Aster prefers temperatures between 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit but is hardy enough to tolerate temperatures as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit for short periods. Its upper temperature tolerance is around 85 degrees Fahrenheit, beyond which the plant may experience stress. The ideal temperature conditions for robust growth and flowering lie within the moderate range, avoiding extremes of heat or frost. It's crucial to protect the plant from harsh winter conditions by providing appropriate mulch or cover if temperatures dip below the minimum threshold.
PruningPrune Frikart's Aster to maintain shape, encourage bushier growth, and improve flowering. Pruning can be done in early spring as new growth appears, cutting back any old or dead stems to the base. Additionally, deadheading spent flowers throughout the blooming season will promote more blooms and extend the flowering period. The best time for major pruning is just before new growth starts so as not to interfere with the budding process.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for Frikart's Aster 'Flora's Delight' should be well-draining and fertile, with a pH between 5.8 and 6.5. A mix of loam, organic compost, and a little sand or perlite to enhance drainage works well for this plant.
RepottingFrikart's Aster 'Flora's Delight' typically requires repotting every 2-3 years, or when it outgrows its current pot. Springtime is the best period for repotting to allow the plant to establish in its new container before the growing season.
Humidity & MistingFrikart's Aster 'Flora's Delight' is tolerant of a wide range of humidity levels and does not require any special humidity conditions. Average outdoor humidity is typically sufficient for this plant.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Frikart's Aster in bright, indirect light with good air circulation.
Outdoor
Ensure full sun to partial shade and protect from harsh winds.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleThe life cycle of Aster × frikartii 'Flora's Delight', also known as Frikart's aster, begins with seed germination, usually after stratification which simulates winter conditions to break dormancy. The seedlings develop into juvenile plants with a basal clump of foliage, and as they mature, they form a rosette of leaves at the ground level. The plant then enters the vegetative stage, where stems elongate and leaves grow larger, preparing for reproduction. During the flowering stage, typically from mid-summer to fall, Frikart's aster produces abundant lavender-blue daisy-like flowers with yellow centers, attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies. After pollination, the plant sets seeds that are dispersed by wind or wildlife, completing the reproductive cycle. In winter or adverse conditions, the above-ground parts of the plant may die back, while the root system remains alive, allowing the plant to regrow and enter a new life cycle when conditions improve.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to early summer
The most popular method for propagating the Frikart's Aster, Aster × frikartii 'Flora's Delight', is through division. This is often done in the spring or early fall. To propagate by division, carefully dig up an established clump of the Frikart's Aster and gently separate it into smaller sections, each with a portion of the root system attached. Make sure that each new section has at least a few shoots or buds. These divisions should be immediately replanted at the same soil level as they were previously growing, spaced approximately 18 inches (about 45 centimeters) apart to allow for growth. Water the new plants thoroughly to establish them. Dividing the plants every few years also helps to maintain their vigor and to prevent overcrowding, ensuring they continue to bloom profusely.
