Frikart's Aster Aster × frikartii 'Wunder von Stäfa'
ABOUT
The plant known as Frikart's aster, specifically 'Wunder von Stäfa', is a perennial noted for its showy and attractive appearance. Its most striking feature is its flowers, which are lavender-blue in color and boast prominent yellow centers. The blossoms radiate a daisy-like charm, with a multitude of slender petals surrounding the central disk. These flowers are generally large and make a bold statement when the plant is in full bloom. The foliage of Frikart's aster 'Wunder von Stäfa' provides a lush backdrop for the vivid blooms. The leaves are typically green, with a smooth to slightly roughened texture. They are shaped like elongated ovals with pointed tips and are borne on sturdy stems that hold themselves upright. The delicate interplay between the cool blue of the flowers and the green of the leaves creates a tranquil and aesthetically pleasing plant, popular among gardeners for its ornamental qualities. This cultivar of Frikart's aster is prized for its extended blooming period that often lasts throughout the summer and into the fall, providing a consistent display of color in the garden landscape.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
Frikart's Aster, Wonder of Stäfa
Common names
Aster × frikartii 'Wunder von Stäfa'
ToxicityTo humans
The Frikart's Aster is generally considered non-toxic to humans. There are no well-documented cases of poisoning from ingesting this plant. As with any plant, individual allergic reactions are possible, but they are not common.
To pets
Similar to its effects on humans, Frikart's Aster is not known to be toxic to pets. It is not associated with serious health problems if pets ingest parts of this plant. However, as with humans, individual animals may have different sensitivities, so it is always best to monitor your pet and consult a veterinarian if any unusual symptoms occur after ingestion.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Lavender
Height
2 feet (60 cm)
Spread
2 feet (60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Hybrid
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: Frikart's Aster (the most common common name) serves as a nectar source for bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, enhancing pollinator activity in the garden.
- Long Blooming Period: This perennial offers a prolonged blooming period from mid-summer to autumn, providing extended visual interest in the landscape.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, Frikart's Aster is drought-tolerant, making it suitable for xeriscaping and reducing the need for regular watering.
- Low Maintenance: It requires minimal care beyond the occasional deadheading to promote further blooming and can thrive with basic gardening practices.
- Color and Aesthetic Appeal: With its vibrant lavender-blue flowers, Frikart's Aster adds a splash of color that complements many garden designs and plant combinations.
- Wildlife Support: This plant helps support local wildlife by providing habitat and food resources for various creatures.
- Erosion Control: The fibrous root system of Frikart's Aster can help stabilize soil, reducing erosion in sloped or disturbed areas.
- Winter Interest: The dried seed heads and stems can provide visual interest in the winter garden and offer food for birds.
- Versatile Planting Options: Frikart's Aster can be used in a variety of garden settings including borders, containers, and rock gardens, adding versatility to garden design.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Aster frkartii 'Wunder von Stäfa' can be used in potpourri. The dried flowers may be added for their color and mild fragrance.
- The petals of the aster can be pressed and used in floral art or craft projects, allowing one to create natural and beautiful decorations.
- These asters can be planted to provide a natural support system for weaker plants or leggy plants that require staking as they grow taller.
- When planted in strategic locations, asters can serve as a natural pest deterrent, discouraging certain insects from settling in a garden.
- The aster can be part of a dye garden, where its flowers are used to extract natural dyes for coloring textiles or artworks.
- The stems and leaves can be included in a compost pile as a source of green matter to enrich the compost with nutrients and organic matter.
- Asters, including this variety, can be used as an educational tool to teach about plant biology, pollination, and the role of bees in ecosystems.
- During blooming season, the aster's beautiful flowers can serve as a photographic subject for photographers and hobbyists.
- The plant may be used in a sensory garden, where the texture of its leaves and petals can be appreciated by visitors with visual impairments.
- Gardeners can use the presence of asters to monitor and study local butterfly populations and their behaviors, as asters attract these insects.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiFrikart's Aster is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityFrikart's Aster is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Patience: Asters, in general, are symbols of patience, representing the journey towards achievement that is not immediate but requires perseverance.
- Wisdom: The intricate structure of aster flowers often symbolizes wisdom, with each layer possibly representing layers of knowledge and experience.
- Elegance: The Frikart's aster, with its striking and dainty appearance, is commonly associated with elegance and a refined beauty.
- Daintiness: Reflecting its delicate and intricate petals, Frikart's aster can signify a delicate and dainty beauty, often associated with finesse and grace.
- Variety: With many cultivars and variations, asters as a group can be associated with diversity and a reminder of the vastness and variety of the world around us.
- Faith: Asters are sometimes associated with faith in love and other pursuits, signifying the trust in the things unseen and loyalty to a cause.
- Charm: The bright, often cheerful colors of Frikart's aster convey a sense of charm and cheerfulness, which can be contagious and uplifting.
WaterFrikart's Aster should be watered regularly, especially during dry spells, to encourage deep root growth and optimum flowering. The plant benefits from a thorough soaking rather than frequent light sprinklings. As a guideline, provide about 1 gallon of water per week during the growing season, adjusting for rainfall. During particularly hot spells, the amount may be increased to ensure the soil remains moist but not waterlogged. It's important to reduce watering as the plant goes dormant in the fall.
LightFrikart's Aster thrives in full sun, meaning at least 6 hours of direct sunlight a day. The best spot for the plant would be in a garden bed with unobstructed access to sunlight, without shade from trees or buildings during the main part of the day. They can tolerate light shade but will produce fewer flowers and may become leggy.
TemperatureFrikart's Aster prefers a range of temperatures that fall within the comfortable growing conditions of most temperate regions. It can survive temperatures as low as 20°F in winter. For optimal growth, it prefers temperatures between 65°F and 75°F but can tolerate summer peaks up to around 90°F. As a perennial, it is hardy and can come back year after year, given that extreme cold conditions are avoided.
PruningPruning Frikart's Aster improves the plant's health and appearance and can encourage a second bloom. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to promote continuous blooming. Cut back the plant in late autumn or early spring to 1-2 inches from the ground to maintain a tidy appearance and promote healthy new growth. Pruning is typically done annually.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Frikart's Aster prefers well-draining soil, rich in organic matter, with a pH ranging from neutral to slightly alkaline (6.5-7.5). A recommended mix would be equal parts garden soil, compost, and perlite or coarse sand to promote proper drainage and fertility.
RepottingFrikart's Aster does not commonly require repotting as it is typically grown as a perennial outdoor plant. It can be divided every three to four years to maintain vigor.
Humidity & MistingFrikart's Aster is adaptable to a wide range of humidity conditions and does not have specific humidity requirements. Outdoor ambient humidity is generally sufficient for its growth.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Bright light, well-draining soil, don’t overcrowd, moderate water.
Outdoor
Full sun, well-drained soil, spacing 12-18 inches apart.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleFrikart's aster (Aster × frikartii 'Wunder von Stäfa') begins its life cycle as a seed, typically sown in spring, where it undergoes germination under suitable conditions of light and temperature. The seedling emerges and establishes itself, developing a root system and vegetative structures. Vegetative growth continues throughout the spring and into early summer, as the plant forms a compact bush with lance-shaped, green leaves. In midsummer to early autumn, Frikart's aster enters the flowering stage, producing large, lavender-blue daisy-like flowers with yellow centers that attract pollinators. After pollination, the flowers develop into small seed-heads, dispersing seeds in late autumn to restart the cycle. During winter, the plant may become dormant, particularly in colder climates, but it is considered a perennial and will resume growth from the rootstock when conditions improve in spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Early spring
The Frikart's Aster, as Aster × frikartii 'Wunder von Stäfa' is commonly known, can be propagated most effectively through division, which is best done in either spring or early fall. During this process, gardeners should carefully lift the clumps of the plant from the soil, taking care to keep as much of the root system intact as possible. These clumps can then be divided into smaller sections, ensuring each section has a portion of roots and shoots. The separated sections are then replanted in well-draining soil, spaced adequately to allow for growth, and watered thoroughly. This method not only helps in propagating new plants but also rejuvenates older clumps, encouraging more vigorous growth and blooming.
