Aster Symphyotrichum 'Photograph'
ABOUT
The 'Photograph' is a variety of New England aster that is known for its decorative appeal and contribution to garden aesthetics. It displays a striking appearance, making it a popular choice among gardeners for adding color and vibrancy to their landscapes. The plant is characterized by its daisy-like flowers, which possess a unique charm with a multitude of delicate petals radiating from their centers. These petals typically showcase a lovely shade that can range from deep purples to vibrant pinks, encircling a central core of tiny, button-like disc florets that often appear in a contrasting yellow or golden hue. The overall form of the 'Photograph' aster is attractively bushy, with an abundance of these floral heads perched atop sturdy stems that bear dense foliage. The leaves are typically lush and green, providing a verdant backdrop for the profusion of flowers that bloom in the late summer through to fall, offering a prolonged display of color. This aster's leaves can be lance-shaped to ovate, with a texture that may feel slightly rough to the touch. Moreover, the 'Photograph' aster can be recognized by its growth habit which, although not described in terms of specific dimensions, forms a substantial presence in the garden and serves as a haven for beneficial wildlife. The plant's flowers are known to be particularly attractive to pollinators such as butterflies and bees, making it not only a visually appealing choice but an ecologically supportive one as well. Its overall visual impact in a garden setting is one of robust vitality and eye-catching floral abundance.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Aster, Michaelmas Daisy
Common names
Symphyotrichum 'Photograph'.
ToxicityTo humans
Based on available information as of my last update, Symphyotrichum 'Photograph', commonly known as aster, is not known to be toxic to humans. Therefore, there are typically no symptoms of poisoning associated with this plant when ingested by humans, and it is generally considered safe. However, it is always advisable to avoid eating any parts of ornamental plants due to potential individual allergic reactions or unknown plant cultivar properties.
To pets
Similar to the information provided for humans, the aster is not commonly known to be toxic to pets. Both cats and dogs can generally tolerate ingestion of this plant without serious risk of poisoning. As with humans, pets may have individual sensitivities, so it's prudent to discourage them from eating ornamental plants, but the aster does not typically pose a significant threat of toxicity.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Purple
Height
3 feet (91 cm)
Spread
2 feet (61 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: Provides nectar and pollen for bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects.
- Aesthetic Appeal: Adds visual interest to gardens with its colorful blooms.
- Low Maintenance: Typically requires minimal care once established, suitable for novice gardeners.
- Seasonal Interest: Offers late-season flowers when many other plants have finished blooming.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, has the ability to withstand periods of low water availability.
- Wildlife Habitat: Offers shelter and food sources for various forms of wildlife.
- Erosion Control: Helps prevent soil erosion with its root system when planted in masses.
- Versatility: Can be used in various garden design styles and settings.
- Biodiversity Support: Contributes to the diversity of plant life within an ecosystem.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- As a dye plant: The leaves and flowers of the aster can be used to create natural dyes for fabrics and textiles, often producing subtle shades of green or yellow depending on the mordant used.
- In eco-friendly furniture stuffing: The fluffy, seed-bearing part of the aster, called the pappus, can be harvested and used as a biodegradable stuffing material for pillows and cushions.
- Art and craft projects: The dried flowers of an aster can be used in scrapbooking, card making, and other creative projects for added texture and decoration.
- Biodegradable confetti: Dried aster petals can be used as a natural and eco-friendly alternative to traditional paper or plastic confetti at celebrations.
- Photography props: The vivid colors and attractive form of the aster make it a great accent in still life or macro photography, adding a touch of natural beauty to the composition.
- Plant-based inks: Asters can be used in the preparation of natural inks for use with fountain pens or for traditional painting techniques.
- Floral waters and spritzes: The petals of the aster can be steeped in water to create aromatic floral waters that can be used as refreshing spritzes for linens or the skin.
- Garden mulch: After the blooming season, the spent plants can be chopped up and used as a nutritious mulch for the garden, helping to retain soil moisture and add organic matter as they decompose.
- Natural potpourri: The colorful dried flowers and leaves of the aster can be combined with other herbs and spices to create potpourri with a pleasing scent for indoor spaces.
- Educational tool: Aster plants can be used in classrooms or educational programs to teach about plant biology, pollination, and the life cycle of perennials.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe plant name is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe plant name is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Memory and Nostalgia: The Symphyotrichum 'Photograph', commonly known as the Aster, often symbolizes reminiscence and the act of looking back fondly on memories, which is implied by the name 'Photograph'.
- Patience: Asters are known to bloom at the end of the growing season, representing patience and the idea that good things come to those who wait.
- Elegance: With its dainty petals and graceful appearance, Asters are commonly associated with elegance and sophistication.
- Wisdom: Asters are often connected to the symbolism of wisdom, possibly due to their late bloom in the year, suggesting a mature perspective.
- Variety: Given the range of colors in which they appear, Asters can symbolize diversity and the beauty of variety in life.
- Faith: In some cultural contexts, Asters are seen as symbols of faith and are often used in religious and spiritual arrangements.
WaterAster 'Photograph' prefers consistently moist soil, so water it regularly, especially during dry spells. Generally, this means providing about 1 inch of water per week, either through rainfall or irrigation. During hot or windy weather, you may need to water twice a week to maintain sufficient moisture. Apply water directly to the base of the plant to keep the foliage dry and reduce the risk of disease. Use a garden hose or a watering can to slowly saturate the soil, ensuring that the water penetrates deeply rather than just wetting the surface.
LightThe Aster 'Photograph' flourishes in full sun, which means it should receive at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight a day. The best spot for this plant is in an area with unobstructed exposure to the sun's rays, such as in a south-facing garden. While it can tolerate some light shade, especially in the afternoon, too much shade may result in leggy growth and fewer flowers.
TemperatureAsters like 'Photograph' are hardy and can withstand a wide temperature range. They can survive minimum temperatures down to about 20°F but prefer a growing environment with temperatures ranging between 60°F and 75°F. Avoid planting in areas where the temperature consistently exceeds 85°F as intense heat may stress the plant and affect blooming.
PruningPruning Asters like 'Photograph' helps to maintain their shape and encourage bushier growth. Trim back the plant in early spring to remove any dead or damaged stems. Additionally, deadheading spent flowers regularly will promote continuous blooming and prevent self-seeding. The best time to prune for shaping is just after the initial spring growth has started.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for New England Aster (Symphyotrichum 'Photograph') is well-draining soil rich in organic matter with a pH range of 6.0 to 8.0. You can mix loamy garden soil with compost and a handful of perlite or sand to improve drainage.
RepottingNew England Aster (Symphyotrichum 'Photograph') should be repotted every 2 to 3 years to refresh the soil and accommodate the growing root system. It's best to repot in the late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
Humidity & MistingNew England Aster (Symphyotrichum 'Photograph') prefers moderate humidity levels but is adaptable to a wide range of humidity conditions found in natural outdoor environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Keep in bright, indirect light; water when topsoil feels dry.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun to partial shade; amend soil with compost.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleThe life cycle of the New England aster ('Photograph' cultivar) typically begins with seed germination in the spring, where the seed requires well-drained soil and some light to initiate growth. Following germination, the seedling stage involves developing roots and foliage through the spring and into summer. As the plant enters the vegetative stage, it will grow vigorously, producing a robust clump of leaves. By late summer or early fall, the New England aster reaches the flowering stage, displaying numerous daisy-like purple flowers that attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies. After pollination, the plant will produce seeds that are disseminated by wind or wildlife, completing the reproductive stage of its life cycle. With the onset of winter, the above-ground parts of the plant die back, although the root system remains alive, allowing the plant to become dormant and survive until the next growing season.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The Symphyotrichum 'Photograph', commonly known as the Aster 'Photograph', is best propagated through division, which is typically done in early spring or after the blooming period in fall. To propagate by division, carefully lift the parent plant from the ground, making sure to keep a good amount of soil around the roots. Using a sharp spade or knife, divide the plant into smaller sections, ensuring that each section has a portion of the root system and several shoots. Replant the divisions at the same depth they were growing before, spacing them about 12 to 18 inches (30 to 45 cm) apart to allow enough room for growth. Water the new plants thoroughly after planting to help establish them. Dividing asters every few years also helps to rejuvenate the plants and encourage vigorous growth and flowering.
