Calico Aster Symphyotrichum lateriflorum 'Lady in Black'
ABOUT
'Lady in Black' is a captivating plant known for its striking contrast of dark foliage and dainty white flowers with yellow centers. The foliage sets a dramatic tone in the garden with its almost black leaves that provide a rich backdrop for the profusion of small, star-like blossoms that appear in clusters. As the autumn season approaches, the plant becomes even more spectacular with a heavy bloom, creating a look akin to a frothy sea of stars that seems to float above the dark foliage. The overall effect of 'Lady in Black' in the landscape is one of dark elegance, offering visual interest and a touch of mystery that captivates onlookers and provides a perfect foil for brighter plants in the garden.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae.
Synonyms
Calico Aster, Starved Aster, Side-flowering Aster, White Wood Aster.
Common names
Aster lateriflorus 'Lady in Black', Aster diffusus, Aster cordifolius, Aster paternus, Aster frondosus, Symphyotrichum cordifolium, Symphyotrichum paternum, Symphyotrichum diffusum.
ToxicityTo humans
The plant commonly known as Calico Aster is not typically classified as toxic to humans. Consequently, there is no widespread evidence to suggest that ingestion of Calico Aster causes poisoning or toxic reactions in people. As with any plant, individual allergies or sensitivities can occur, so it is always wise to handle plants with caution and avoid ingesting them unless they are known to be edible.
To pets
Calico Aster is not generally known to be toxic to pets. There are no significant reports indicating that this plant causes poisoning in domestic animals such as dogs and cats. As with humans, individual pets may have allergies or sensitivities to certain plants, so it is prudent to prevent pets from ingesting plants not specifically intended for them. If a pet shows signs of illness after ingesting any plant, consult a veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Dark Purple
Flower color
White
Height
3-4 feet (0.9-1.2 meters)
Spread
2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4-8
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Wildlife: Symphyotrichum lateriflorum 'Lady in Black' provides nectar and pollen for bees and other beneficial insects.
- Aesthetic Appeal: The dark foliage and profuse tiny, starry flowers add a striking contrast to garden landscapes.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it's relatively drought-resistant, making it suitable for xeriscaping.
- Fall Color: Adds visual interest in the fall with its purple to pinkish flowers when many other plants are fading.
- Easy to Grow: It's low maintenance and can thrive in a range of soil types, requiring minimal care once established.
- Native Plant: Being native to North America, it supports local ecosystems and adapts well to regional climates.
- Supports Biodiversity: Serves as a food source for native wildlife, including butterflies and birds.
- Quick Growth: Can fill in garden spaces relatively quickly, making it useful for creating full, lush garden areas.
Medical Properties- This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Calico aster can serve as a natural fabric dye, producing colors in earthy tones when boiled with fabrics.
- In the garden, it is beneficial for erosion control due to its spreading habit and dense root system.
- Calico aster flowers can be used as a natural confetti for outdoor celebrations, being both festive and biodegradable.
- The plant can be used in art projects, for example, by pressing the flowers to create natural floral designs.
- It provides a soft, natural filler for informal flower arrangements and bouquets with its delicate, starry blossoms.
- The stems of calico aster can be woven or braided into wreaths and other botanical crafts for home decor.
- Dried calico aster flowers can be used in potpourri mixes to add a wildflower element and subtle beauty.
- Photographers may utilize the plant as a backdrop or a subject in nature photography for their ephemeral quality and structure.
- Gardeners can use the plant as a living mulch because its dense growth can help suppress weeds in the garden.
- For educational purposes, calico aster can be planted to teach about native plant species and pollinator support.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Calico aster is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Calico aster is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Balance - The 'Lady in Black' aster, with its delicate flowers and dark foliage, represents a balance between light and dark, echoing the equilibrium found in nature.
- Patience - Asters bloom in late summer and fall, symbolizing the patience required to wait for their beautiful displays as the reward at the end of the growing season.
- Elegance - With its graceful appearance and dark, almost black leaves, this aster variety suggests a refined elegance, much like the poise of a lady in a black gown.
- Mystery - The dark foliage of 'Lady in Black' brings a sense of mystery and depth, reflecting the unseen and unknown aspects of the natural world.
- Enduring Love - As a type of aster, 'Lady in Black' is often associated with love and daintiness, symbolizing an affection that can withstand the test of time and adversity.
WaterFor the Calico Aster 'Lady in Black', water deeply and thoroughly to ensure that the soil is completely moistened, using approximately 1 inch of water per week. During periods of drought or extreme heat, increase the frequency to twice per week, ensuring that you're providing enough water to penetrate the root zone without waterlogging the soil. It's essential to water the plant in the morning to allow the foliage to dry out during the day, which helps prevent diseases. Allow the soil to dry out somewhat between waterings to promote healthy root development. Adjust your watering habits based on weather conditions, watering less during cool or rainy periods and more during hot spells.
LightThe Calico Aster 'Lady in Black' thrives in full sun to partial shade. The optimal location is where the plant can receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily, which encourages strong growth and abundant blossoming. If planted in too much shade, the stems may become leggy and the plant may produce fewer flowers.
TemperatureThe Calico Aster 'Lady in Black' is hardy and can survive a broad temperature range, from as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit in winter dormancy to a summer high of around 90 degrees Fahrenheit. The ideal growing temperature for this perennial is between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It is essential to avoid prolonged exposure to temperatures below 20 degrees without some form of winter protection, such as mulch.
PruningPruning the Calico Aster 'Lady in Black' is important to maintain its shape, encourage denser growth, and improve air circulation. Prune lightly in the early spring to remove any dead or damaged stems and again after flowering to deadhead spent blooms, which may encourage a second flush of flowers. Severe pruning should be performed in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Prune the plant back by half in early summer to promote bushier growth and more robust flowering in autumn.
CleaningAs needed
SoilCalico aster 'Lady in Black' prefers well-draining soil with a mix of two-thirds garden soil and one-third compost or leaf mold, retaining moisture without waterlogging. A slightly acidic to neutral pH between 6.0 and 7.0 is ideal.
RepottingCalico aster 'Lady in Black' typically doesn't require frequent repotting and is often treated as an annual, but if grown as a perennial, it should be repotted every 2-3 years to refresh the soil.
Humidity & MistingCalico aster 'Lady in Black' is adaptable to a range of humidity levels and thrives in the average ambient moisture found in outdoor environments, indicative of its resilience and low humidity requirements.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright light and good air circulation.
Outdoor
Plant in sun/part shade, moist soil.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleSymphyotrichum lateriflorum 'Lady in Black', commonly known as Calico aster or Starved aster, begins its life cycle as a seed, which upon finding favorable conditions of moisture and temperature, germinates during the spring. The seedling emerges and establishes itself, developing a root system and foliage through the process of photosynthesis. As it matures throughout the growing season, 'Lady in Black' forms a bushy clump of dark, almost black foliage with numerous lateral branches. By late summer to fall, the plant enters the flowering stage, producing small daisy-like flowers with white to pale pink petals surrounding a yellow-to-red central disc. After pollination, often by insects attracted to its blooms, the plant sets seed that are dispersed by wind or wildlife. The plant then enters dormancy during the winter, with the roots surviving underground until the next spring when the cycle recommences.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method for propagating the plant commonly known as "Calico Aster" or Symphyotrichum lateriflorum 'Lady in Black' is through division. This can usually be done in early spring as new growth begins to show. Gently lift the plant from the soil with a spade, ensuring a good amount of roots with each section. Carefully divide the plant into smaller clumps, each with several shoots and a portion of the root system. Replant the divisions promptly into well-prepared soil, spacing them about 18 inches (approximately 45.7 centimeters) apart to give each new plant enough room to grow. Water the new plants thoroughly after planting to help establish them in their new locations. Division not only helps to propagate new plants but can also rejuvenate older clumps that may have become woody or less vigorous.
