Blue wood aster Symphyotrichum cordifolium 'Sweet Lavender'
ABOUT
Sweet Lavender is a flowering perennial plant known for its striking blooms and lush foliage. This plant bears a wealth of heart-shaped, deep green leaves that provide a dense and textured backdrop. These leaves often have a slightly serrated edge, lending a delicate roughness to the overall appearance. The most captivating feature of Sweet Lavender is its profusion of flower clusters, which sit atop sturdy, branching stems. The flowers themselves are small, daisy-like, and possess a soft lavender to violet hue. Each blossom typically has a yellow center that contrasts beautifully with its purple petals, creating a picturesque display. These blooms tend to form a rounded canopy of color, as they are closely grouped together, giving the effect of a floral cloud. The plant's overall form is somewhat mounded, creating a lovely and compact silhouette bursting with flora. With its charming flowers and attractive foliage, Sweet Lavender presents a delightful presence in any garden or landscape.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae.
Synonyms
Blue Wood Aster, Heartleaf Aster.
Common names
Aster cordifolius, Aster divaricatus, Aster divaricatus var. cordifolius.
ToxicityTo humans
Blue wood aster is not typically known to be toxic to humans. Ingesting parts of this plant is unlikely to cause poisoning or severe adverse effects. However, as with any plant, individual allergic reactions or sensitivities are possible, so it is always prudent to avoid eating plants that are not specifically intended for consumption.
To pets
Blue wood aster is generally considered non-toxic to pets, including dogs and cats. Ingesting parts of this plant should not lead to poisoning or serious health issues. However, some pets might experience mild gastrointestinal upset if they consume large amounts of the plant due to the fiber content or if they are not accustomed to eating it. It is always best to monitor your pets and prevent them from eating ornamental plants.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Lavender
Height
2-4 feet (60-120 cm)
Spread
1-3 feet (30-90 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3-8
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts pollinators: Symphyotrichum cordifolium 'Sweet Lavender', commonly known as blue wood aster, is known for attracting bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators to the garden.
- Low maintenance: Blue wood aster is a hardy perennial that requires minimal care once established, making it ideal for gardeners seeking low-maintenance plants.
- Drought tolerance: Once established, it can tolerate periods of drought, which makes it suitable for xeriscaping or gardens in dryer climates.
- Autumn color: It produces lavender-blue flowers in the fall, adding vibrant color to the garden when many other plants have finished blooming.
- Erosion control: With its dense growth habit, blue wood aster can help prevent soil erosion in sloped areas of the garden or landscape.
- Wildlife habitat: The plant provides cover and food for wildlife, such as birds which may feed on its seeds in the winter months.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Symphyotrichum cordifolium 'Sweet Lavender' can serve as a natural dye source, with different parts of the plant producing subtle color variations on fabrics.
- The dried leaves and flowers can be used in potpourris to add a delicate, lavender-like fragrance to your home.
- It can be featured in educational gardens to demonstrate the importance of native plants in local ecosystems.
- Inked impressions from the leaves and flowers create unique botanical art, preserving the beautiful shapes of this plant.
- This plant can be used as a floral arrangement filler, adding volume and a soft lavender hue to bouquets.
- Its robust stems can be woven into small wreaths or decorative frames for a rustic craft project.
- When planted in containers with other species, it can create a cascading effect for balcony gardens or decorate patios.
- The seeds of Symphyotrichum cordifolium 'Sweet Lavender' can be included in birdseed mixes to attract and feed local wildlife.
- It can provide seasonal theming for autumnal celebrations through its late-blooming flowers that complement fall decor.
- These plants can be used to create living fences or borders, which not only define space but also support local pollinators.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Blue Wood Aster is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Blue Wood Aster is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Enduring Love: Symphyotrichum cordifolium, commonly known as Blue Wood Aster, often symbolizes love that withstands the test of time, perhaps due to its hearty nature and long-lasting blooms.
- Patient Persistence: The Blue Wood Aster's ability to thrive in many conditions and its late bloom time in the fall can represent a spirit of persistence and the rewards of patience.
- New Opportunities: As a plant that flowers in the fall, the Blue Wood Aster can symbolize new beginnings or opportunities that arise later in life or at unexpected times.
- Tranquility: The 'Sweet Lavender' variety, with its soft lavender-hued petals, might be associated with peace and calm, reflecting the tranquil color of its blooms.
- Healing: Historically, asters have been linked to healing and the soothing of ailments, which could extend symbolically to the Blue Wood Aster, offering comfort during trying times.
WaterThe Blue Wood Aster should be watered deeply once a week to encourage deep root growth. During the growing season, ensure that the plant receives approximately 1 inch of water per week, either from rainfall or manual watering. If you choose to water manually, it's equivalent to about 0.623 gallons for every square yard of soil every week. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so allow the soil to dry out slightly between watering sessions. During hotter, drier periods, you may need to increase the frequency of watering to maintain moisture levels.
LightBlue Wood Aster thrives in full sun to partial shade. The ideal location for the plant is a spot where it can receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. However, it can also tolerate some shade, especially in the afternoon when the sun is the strongest. Ensure the plant is positioned in a well-lit area to promote healthy growth and abundant flowering.
TemperatureThe Blue Wood Aster does well in a wide range of temperatures, but for optimal growth, it prefers a range between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. These asters can tolerate cold down to 20 degrees Fahrenheit and heat up to 90 degrees Fahrenheit, but extreme temperatures can inhibit growth or damage the plant. To ensure the best performance, place the aster in a location where it is protected from harsh winter winds and extreme summer heat.
PruningPrune Blue Wood Aster in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Pruning encourages bushier growth and more blooms during the flowering season. It's ideal to cut back the plant by about one-third to one-half its size. Additionally, deadheading, or removing spent flowers, can be done throughout the blooming season to encourage more flowers and prevent self-seeding.
CleaningAs needed
SoilHeartleaf Aster requires well-draining soil enriched with organic matter. A soil mix ideal for this plant would include equal parts garden soil, peat or coir, and perlite or sand for aeration. The soil pH should be mildly acidic to neutral, ranging between 6.0 to 7.0.
RepottingHeartleaf Aster does not need frequent repotting and it should be done every 2-3 years. Repotting is appropriate when the plant outgrows its current container or the soil becomes depleted of nutrients.
Humidity & MistingHeartleaf Aster prefers moderate humidity levels and can tolerate the humidity found in most home environments. It does not require special humidity conditions as long as it is not in an overly dry space.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright indirect light and room temperature.
Outdoor
Place in partial sun to light shade, mulch, water regularly.
Hardiness zone
3-8 USDA
Life cycleBlue wood aster 'Sweet Lavender' begins its life cycle as seeds that germinate in spring, requiring a period of cold stratification to break dormancy. Seedlings emerge and develop into vegetative plants, featuring heart-shaped leaves and growing through the spring and summer. As a perennial, the plant will enter a vegetative dormancy during the colder winter months, dying back to the ground while the roots survive underground. In the following growing season, the plant will regrow from these established roots, growing more vigorously due to the existing root system. Flowering occurs in late summer to fall, with clusters of small, lavender daisy-like flowers that attract pollinators, leading to seed set. After seeding, the plant senesces with the onset of winter, completing its life cycle as it reenters dormancy.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Symphyotrichum cordifolium 'Sweet Lavender', commonly known as blue wood aster, is typically propagated by division. This is best done in the spring as new growth begins. To propagate by division, carefully dig up an established clump of the plant and gently separate it into smaller sections, ensuring that each section has a portion of the root system. Replant the divisions immediately, spacing them about 18 inches (approximately 46 centimeters) apart to allow for growth. Water the new plantings thoroughly to help establish them in their new locations. This method allows the gardener to quickly and easily increase their stock of blue wood aster and helps maintain the health of the plant by rejuvenating crowded clumps.
