Little Carlow Aster Symphyotrichum 'Little Carlow' (cordifolium hybrid)
ABOUT
The 'Little Carlow' is an ornamental perennial known for its dainty, yet showy appearance. This plant boasts numerous small, lavender-blue flowers, with each petite bloom consisting of a yellow central disc surrounded by slender, ray-like petals. The blossoms are densely clustered together, creating a cloud of color that can add a soft, frothy texture to any garden setting. The foliage of this plant is medium green and heart-shaped, providing a lush background for the profusion of flowers that emerge above it. Its leaves are arranged neatly along sturdy stems, which branch gracefully and bear the weight of the blossoms without any trouble. Overall, 'Little Carlow' is celebrated for its charming flower display that can bring a splash of late-season color to the landscape.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae.
Synonyms
Aster 'Little Carlow', Cordifolium Aster, Little Carlow Aster.
Common names
Aster cordifolius, Aster divaricatus, Symphyotrichum divaricatum.
ToxicityTo humans
The plant commonly known as Aster 'Little Carlow' is not known to be toxic to humans. It does not typically produce symptoms of poisoning when touched or ingested.
To pets
Aster 'Little Carlow' is also considered non-toxic to pets. It should not cause symptoms of poisoning if pets come into contact with or ingest any part of the plant. However, it is always best to monitor pets to ensure they do not eat plants that could potentially lead to gastrointestinal upset simply from the act of eating a non-food item.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Lavender-blue
Height
3 feet [0.91 meters]
Spread
2 feet [0.61 meters]
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4-8
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts pollinators: Symphyotrichum 'Little Carlow' is known to attract bees and butterflies, which are crucial for pollination.
- Aesthetic appeal: This plant features beautiful lavender-blue flowers that can enhance the visual appeal of gardens and landscapes.
- Seasonal interest: It blooms in late summer and fall, providing color and interest during a time when many other plants are starting to decline.
- Easy to grow: The plant is relatively low maintenance, adapts well to a variety of soils, and is generally easy to care for.
- Drought tolerance: Once established, it has good resistance to drought, making it suitable for drier climates and water-wise gardens.
- Wildlife habitat: The flowers and structure provide habitat and food sources for various insects and birds.
- Hardiness: 'Little Carlow' is hardy in many climates, able to withstand cold winters in its growing zones.
- Garden versatility: It can be used in borders, mass plantings, cottage gardens, and as a cut flower in floral arrangements.
- Non-invasive: Unlike some other Aster species, Symphyotrichum 'Little Carlow' is not known to be invasive and tends to stay where planted.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Aster 'Little Carlow' can be used for natural dyeing, with various parts of the plant producing different shades on textiles.
- In photography, the striking purple flowers can provide an aesthetic backdrop or subject for macro and nature photography.
- Can be planted in outdoor classroom settings to attract wildlife, providing educational opportunities about pollination and ecosystem interactions.
- Used as a food source for domesticated and wild animals when other forage is not available, ensuring biodiversity is sustained in a garden ecosystem.
- The dried flower heads can be used for crafts, such as adding to wreaths or creating natural arrangements for interior decoration.
- As a companion plant in vegetable gardens, it can help deter certain pests while attracting beneficial insects.
- Creative writing inspiration, where the plant’s presence and seasonal changes in a garden can become a focal point for poetry or prose.
- An ingredient in potpourri mixtures, where the dried flowers and foliage add fragrance and a pop of color to a room.
- Playable plant in garden games, such as "hide and seek", where taller varieties can provide natural hiding spots for children.
- The plant can be featured in maze and labyrinth designs within larger gardens, contributing to the aesthetic and challenge of the pathways.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Aster 'Little Carlow' is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Aster 'Little Carlow' is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Patience: Asters like the 'Little Carlow', which bloom later in the season, often symbolize patience, representing the wait for their beautiful blossoms.
- Enduring Love: Their perennial nature and the way they return each year is often seen as a sign of everlasting affection.
- Elegance: 'Little Carlow', with its delicate and fine structure, is frequently associated with grace and refinement.
- Memory: Asters are often used to symbolize fond memories, perhaps because of their role in various cultural mythologies as emblems of remembrance.
- Wisdom: In some traditions, the star-like shape of the aster flower represents wisdom and knowledge.
WaterThe Aster 'Little Carlow' prefers consistently moist soil, so it should be watered regularly but should not sit in waterlogged conditions. During active growth periods in spring and summer, water thoroughly once a week, ensuring you moisten the top 6-8 inches of soil. During the hotter, drier months, you may need to increase watering to twice a week. When temperatures cool down in fall, reduce the frequency to match the plant's reduced water requirements. An inch of water per week, including rainfall, is a good general rule to follow.
LightAsters 'Little Carlow' thrive in full sun to partial shade conditions. They perform best in a location that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight a day. While tolerant of light shade, too much shade can result in a leggy plant with fewer flowers, so a spot that offers abundant light will contribute to a more robust display of blooms.
TemperatureAsters 'Little Carlow' are hardy in a temperature range between 50°F and 80°F, which provides ideal growing conditions. They can survive brief periods of colder temperatures down to 20°F but are generally not tolerant of extreme heat above 90°F. To maintain vigor, try to ensure they are grown within their preferred temperature range as much as possible.
PruningPruning Asters 'Little Carlow' helps to maintain their shape, encourage denser growth, and can promote a more prolific bloom. You should deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage further blooming. In early summer, pinch back stems by one-third to encourage a bushier plant. After flowering has finished in late fall, cut the stems back to ground level.
CleaningAs needed
SoilAster 'Little Carlow' thrives in well-draining, loamy soil enriched with organic matter. The best soil mix can be created from a blend of garden soil, compost, and perlite or coarse sand to ensure good drainage. The soil pH should lean towards slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.0 to 7.0.
RepottingAsters 'Little Carlow' typically do not require frequent repotting and can be left undisturbed for several years. These perennials may be divided or repotted every 3-4 years to maintain vigor and manage their size.
Humidity & MistingAster 'Little Carlow' is adaptable to a wide range of humidity levels but prefers moderate conditions. They perform well in average garden humidity levels and do not have specific humidity requirements.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Grow Aster 'Little Carlow' near sunny window; water when top soil feels dry.
Outdoor
Plant Aster 'Little Carlow' in a sunny spot with moist, well-drained soil.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleSymphyotrichum 'Little Carlow', commonly known as the Cordifolium hybrid aster, begins its life cycle as a dormant seed during winter. In spring, the seeds germinate and a small rosette of leaves emerges, utilizing stored energy to establish roots and foliage. As temperatures rise, the rosette gives way to upright stems and a period of vegetative growth ensues, with the plant developing multiple branches and a bushy habit. Through the summer, the plant continues to grow, storing energy in preparation for flowering. By late summer to early fall, the aster starts its reproductive phase, producing a profusion of daisy-like flowers that attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies. After pollination, seeds are produced and dispersed, and the plant begins to enter senescence, eventually dying back to the ground after hard frosts with its seeds ready to begin the next generation.
PropogationPropogation time
Late summer to autumn
The Symphyotrichum 'Little Carlow', commonly known as the Aster, is commonly propagated through division, which is best done in the spring. To propagate by division, you should carefully dig up the plant and gently split it into smaller sections, making sure that each new section has a part of the root system attached. These sections can then be replanted in well-prepared soil, ideally spaced about 18 inches (approximately 45 centimeters) apart to allow for growth. The soil should be kept moist until the new divisions are well established, but care should be taken not to overwater. This method is quite simple and effective for Asters, which can become quite bushy and benefit from being divided every few years for better air circulation and to invigorate the plants.
