Tongol Aster Aster tongolensis
ABOUT
Aster tongolensis, commonly known as the Tongol Aster, is a perennial flowering plant that presents a delightful display of color in gardens. It brings char and beauty to any garden setting with its profusely blooming flowers. Each flower head is characterized by a prominent central disk that holds a multitude of tiny, tubular flowers. These central disks are typically a deeper shade, often yellow or golden, creating a striking contrast against the multitude of surrounding petals. The petals themselves are slender, elongated, and radiate outward from the central disk, resembling a star-like pattern, which is characteristic of the aster family. The color of the petals can vary, but they typically exhibit beautiful shades of purple, violet, or occasionally pink, giving the plant a vibrant and lively look. The leaves of the Tongol Aster are green, sometimes with a silvery sheen, and have a narrow, lance-like shape with smooth or slightly toothed edges, which clasp the stems and provide a lush backdrop to the colorful blooms. The Tongol Aster blooms in the late spring to early summer, providing clusters of attractive flowers that attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, enhancing the ecological value of any garden space. The plant's flowering season extends through the summer months and provides ongoing color and visual interest.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
Tongolense Daisy, East Indies Aster, Tongo Aster
Common names
Aster tongolensis
ToxicityTo humans
Dongola aster (Aster tongolensis) is not commonly known to be toxic to humans. There is limited information about its toxicity, but it is generally considered safe around humans. However, as with many plants, it is always prudent to avoid ingesting parts of plants that are not known to be edible as they could potentially cause gastrointestinal discomfort or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
To pets
Dongola aster (Aster tongolensis) is not commonly known to be toxic to pets either. It does not contain any known toxic compounds that would pose a risk to pets such as dogs or cats. As with any non-food plant, if a pet ingests a large amount of the plant, it might experience mild stomach upset. Always monitor pets around plants and contact a veterinarian if any unusual behavior or symptoms occur after ingestion.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Purple
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3-8
Native area
China
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Aster tongolensis, commonly known as Tongol Aster, adds a vibrant splash of color to gardens with its purple and yellow blossoms, enhancing visual interest.
- Attracts Pollinators: It serves as an important nectar source for bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, promoting biodiversity.
- Low Maintenance: Tongol Aster is relatively easy to care for, requiring minimal upkeep once established, making it suitable for novice gardeners.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it can tolerate periods of low water, making it suitable for xeriscaping and reducing the need for frequent irrigation.
- Cold Hardy: It is capable of surviving and thriving in colder climates, making it a resilient choice for gardens in temperate zones.
- Seasonal Interest: With its late flowering season, from late summer to fall, it provides color and interest in the garden when many other plants have finished blooming.
Medical Properties- This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Aster tongolensis, also known as the Tongo aster, can be used for dye production, with its flowers potentially providing natural pigments for textiles.
- The Tongo aster can be integrated into permaculture designs as an insectary plant to attract beneficial insects that can help with pest management.
- Dried Tongo aster flowers can be incorporated into potpourris for their shape and color, adding variety to the mixture.
- The plant can be utilized in companion planting, as it may help deter certain pests from more vulnerable plants in the garden.
- Tongo aster flowers can be pressed and used in botanical art projects, such as creating bookmarks or greeting cards.
- The plant can be part of educational gardens focusing on biodiversity, demonstrating the variety of plant life in a particular region or ecosystem.
- The Tongo aster's seeds can be used as part of wildflower seed mixes to re-establish native flora in disturbed areas or for habitat restoration.
- When planted in mass, the Tongo aster can be used to stabilize soil in areas prone to erosion due to their root systems holding the soil in place.
- These asters can serve as background plants in cut flower arrangements, providing a natural-looking filler between larger blooms.
- The Tongo aster can be featured in sensory gardens, where their textured foliage and bright flowers can be appreciated for visual and tactile stimulation.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Tongolense is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Tongolense is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Love: Asters are often associated with love and daintiness. They are a symbol of powerful love, possibly due to their lush and captivating appearance.
- Patience: The plant's ability to bloom in later seasons is frequently seen as a representation of patience and anticipation.
- Elegance: The delicate and refined beauty of the Aster tongolensis, which is also known as the East Indies Aster, reflects elegance and grace.
- Wisdom: In some folklore, asters are believed to hold the wisdom of the stars due to their star-like flower shape and their association with the Greek word for "star" (áster).
- Faith: The enduring nature of Asters along with their star-like blooms often symbolize faith and a belief in the unseen and the mystical.
WaterThe East Himalayan Aster (Aster tongolensis) should be watered thoroughly, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. The frequency depends on weather conditions but typically during active growth in the spring and summer, it may need water once or twice a week. Apply about a gallon of water per plant each time, ensuring that the water penetrates deeply into the soil to encourage deep root development. During the fall and cooler months, reduce watering to every two weeks or less, depending on rainfall and soil moisture levels.
LightThe East Himalayan Aster thrives in full sun to partial shade. It performs best when it receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight a day, but it can also tolerate some light afternoon shade. The ideal spot would be one that gets consistent morning sunlight with some protection from the intense heat of the late afternoon sun, especially in hotter climates.
TemperatureThe East Himalayan Aster prefers average to cool temperatures and can endure brief periods of cold down to about 20 degrees Fahrenheit. However, its ideal growing temperatures are between 50 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Extreme heat or cold can be detrimental to the plant, so if you live in an area with very hot summers or very cold winters, consider providing some temperature control for optimal growth.
PruningPruning the East Himalayan Aster is necessary to maintain its shape and encourage bushier growth. Deadhead spent flowers to promote further blooming and cut back the plant by a third after flowering to rejuvenate and prepare it for the next growing season. Pruning is best done in late fall or early spring before new growth begins.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for the Tongol Aster is well-draining with plenty of organic matter. It thrives in soil with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5.
RepottingTongol Asters should be repotted every 2 to 3 years to rejuvenate the soil and accommodate root growth.
Humidity & MistingTongol Asters prefer moderate humidity levels but are adaptable to the ambient humidity found in most outdoor environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright light, ensure pot has drainage, water when topsoil dries.
Outdoor
Full to partial sun, well-draining soil, space 12 inches apart.
Hardiness zone
4-7 USDA
Life cycleAster tongolensis, commonly known as Tongol Aster, initiates its life cycle as a seed which, upon finding suitable conditions, germinates in early spring. The seedling emerges and develops into a vegetative plant with a basal rosette of leaves, photosynthesizing and growing throughout the spring and summer. During this time, the plant develops a strong root system and begins to form flower buds. By late summer or early fall, Tongol Aster blooms, displaying numerous daisy-like flowers with a central disc surrounded by petal-like rays, attracting pollinators for reproduction. Following pollination, seeds are produced and dispersed by wind, animals, or other means, completing the reproductive cycle. The plant then enters a period of dormancy during the winter, with the above-ground parts dying back, and it relies on its perennial root structure to survive until the next growing season.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
Propogation: Aster tongolensis, commonly known as East Indies Aster, is typically propagated by seed. The most popular method of propagation for this plant is to sow the seeds directly in the garden or outdoor containers after the threat of frost has passed, which is usually in the late spring to early summer depending on local climate conditions. To effectively propagate East Indies Aster by seeds, scatter the seeds lightly on the surface of the soil and press them down gently without covering them, as they need light to germinate. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, and within 15 to 30 days, you should see seedlings emerge. Once the seedlings have grown large enough to handle and have developed true leaves, thin them out to about 8 to 12 inches (20 to 30 centimeters) apart to allow each plant enough space to grow. Proper care including well-drained soil, good sunlight, and occasional watering will ensure healthy growth following propagation.
