Aster Symphyotrichum 'Vasterival'
ABOUT
The Symphyotrichum 'Vasterival', commonly known as the Aster, is a decorative flowering plant noted for its showy appearance. The plant produces a profusion of daisy-like flowers, which typically feature a central disc of small, compact yellow florets surrounded by slender petals that radiate outwards. These petals can range in color from shades of purple and lilac to rosy pinks and sometimes even white. The foliage of the Aster is also distinctive. Leaves are generally medium green and can be lance-shaped or oblong, with a smooth or slightly serrated edge. The overall growth habit of the plant tends to be bushy with stems that branch out, creating a full and lush appearance. The leaves and stems work together to form a backdrop that further accentuates the colorful floral display when the plant is in bloom. As a perennial, the Aster returns year after year, each time producing its signature blooms that attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies. The blooming period for the Aster typically occurs in late summer to fall, providing a late-season burst of color to gardens and landscapes.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
Vasterival Aster
Common names
Symphyotrichum 'Vasterival'.
ToxicityTo humans
The common name for Symphyotrichum 'Vasterival' is aster. Asters are generally not considered toxic to humans. They are often used in gardens for their colorful autumn flowers. However, as with any plant, individuals can potentially have allergic reactions to asters. Ingesting parts of the plant is not commonly associated with poisoning or toxic symptoms in humans. It is always advisable to avoid eating ornamental plants as they are not intended for consumption, and to keep them out of reach of small children who might inadvertently ingest them.
To pets
The common name for Symphyotrichum 'Vasterival' is aster. Asters are not known to be toxic to pets. They are commonly used in gardens and are not associated with toxicity in dogs, cats, or other domestic animals. There is no widespread report of pets being poisoned by ingesting asters. As with any non-food plants, it is still recommended to monitor pets around plants and discourage them from chewing on plants to prevent any potential issues, such as mild gastrointestinal upset, that might occur from ingesting non-food plant material.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
3-4 feet (0.91-1.22 meters)
Spread
2-3 feet (0.61-0.91 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4-8
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: Symphyotrichum 'Vasterival' is known for attracting bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, which is essential for pollination and maintaining a healthy ecosystem.
- Ease of Care: This variety of aster is relatively low-maintenance, requiring minimal care once established, making it suitable for a variety of gardeners.
- Autumn Interest: It blooms in late summer to fall, providing color and interest in the garden when many other plants have finished flowering.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, it can tolerate periods of dryness, making it a good choice for gardens with less frequent watering.
- Wildlife Habitat: It provides a habitat and food source for wildlife, offering seeds for birds in the winter, enhancing biodiversity in the garden.
- Hardiness: It is generally hardy and can withstand cold temperatures, making it suitable for a wide range of climates and garden conditions.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Symphyotrichum 'Vasterival', commonly known as aster, can be used to create natural dyes for textiles, with different parts of the plant producing various shades of color.
- The dried flowers of the aster can be used in potpourri mixtures to add color and fragrance to a room.
- Asters can be planted in outdoor educational spaces such as school gardens to help children learn about plant biology and pollination through observation.
- When grown densely, asters can act as a living mulch, providing ground cover which helps to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.
- The aster can be used in companion planting to attract beneficial insects that prey on garden pests, fostering a healthy ecosystem.
- Florists may use aster flowers to create eco-friendly confetti for celebrations, as they are biodegradable and less harmful to the environment than synthetic confetti.
- The strong, vertical growth habit of aster plants can provide structural support for weaker, neighboring plants in a mixed border.
- Asters can be used in psychological therapies like horticultural therapy to enhance mood and reduce stress through the act of gardening.
- The thick growth of asters can provide a natural habitat for small wildlife, such as birds and beneficial insects.
- Aster petals and leaves can be used in creative arts and crafts, such as pressing flowers for bookmarks or making natural wreaths.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe plant known as the Aster is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Aster is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Determination and endurance: The Symphyotrichum 'Vasterival', commonly known as aster, symbolizes perseverance due to its ability to bloom in the late season when most flowers have finished their cycle.
- Patience: It represents patience, as the aster blooms are some of the last to appear in the year, often waiting until others have faded before showcasing its beauty.
- Love and devotion: Asters are often associated with love and daintiness, conveying deep emotional love and trust in relationships.
- Elegance: With its attractive, star-shaped flowers, the aster is a symbol of elegance and charm, often used to suggest refined beauty.
- Wisdom: Often given as a gift to signify wisdom, asters represent knowledge and the power of intuition.
- Remembrance: Asters are also symbols of remembrance, traditionally used to honor and remember loved ones who have passed away.
WaterThe New England aster should be watered deeply once a week, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings to prevent root rot. During hot or dry spells, watering frequency may need to increase to every few days. The amount of water should be about 1 gallon per plant for each watering, ensuring that the water penetrates deeply into the soil to encourage robust root growth.
LightNew England asters thrive best in full sun conditions, where they can receive at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. They can tolerate some light shade but will have the best flowering and growth in a location that is unobstructed from the sun's rays.
TemperatureNew England asters can endure a wide range of temperatures, from as low as 20°F in the winter to temperatures exceeding 80°F in the summer. They thrive in the average garden temperature range of 60°F to 75°F. New England asters are hardy and can withstand a light frost without significant damage.
PruningPrune New England asters to encourage bushier growth, prevent disease by improving air circulation, and to remove spent flowers which promote further blooming. The best time for pruning is in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Prune back the previous year's growth to about 1 to 2 inches above the ground.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for the New England Aster 'Vasterival' is well-draining soil with a good amount of organic matter, such as compost or peat moss. A slightly acidic to neutral pH of 6.0 to 7.0 is ideal for this plant.
RepottingNew England Aster 'Vasterival' typically doesn't need frequent repotting and can be done every 2-3 years or when it outgrows its current container.
Humidity & MistingNew England Aster 'Vasterival' thrives in moderate humidity conditions but is tolerant of a range of humidity levels commonly found outdoors.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright indirect light, ensure proper drainage.
Outdoor
Full sun, well-drained soil, water regularly.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleThe Symphyotrichum 'Vasterival', commonly known as the Aster 'Vasterival', begins its life cycle when seeds germinate in the spring, emerging as small seedlings. As temperatures warm, these seedlings develop into young plants with foliage that grows progressively through the spring and summer. During late summer to fall, the Aster 'Vasterival' enters its flowering stage, producing an abundance of daisy-like flowers that attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies. After blooming, the flowers will develop into seed heads, and as the plant senesces in late fall, these seeds are dispersed by wind or wildlife, enabling the propagation of new plants. Over winter, the above-ground parts of the perennial plant die back, but the root system remains alive, storing energy for the next growing season. In spring, the plant will sprout anew from this robust root system, repeating its life cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Early spring
The most popular method of propagation for Symphyotrichum 'Vasterival', commonly known as the Aster, is by division. This is typically carried out in the springtime as the plant emerges from dormancy and when you can see the new shoots beginning to form. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the parent Aster plant, making sure to keep a generous amount of soil around the roots. Gently separate the clumps into smaller sections, ensuring that each new section has a good amount of roots and at least a few shoots or leaves. These divisions can then be replanted at the same depth they were growing at before, spaced approximately 18 inches (about 45 centimeters) apart to allow for growth and airflow. Water the new plants thoroughly after planting to help establish them. Divisions will typically take root and start growing within a few weeks, provided that they have sufficient water and are not exposed to extremes in temperature.
