White Heath Aster Symphyotrichum ericoides 'Brimstone'
ABOUT
The plant known commonly as Heath Aster 'Brimstone', displays a profusion of tiny, daisy-like flowers. These blossoms are notable for their charming white petals that surround a yellow to yellowish-green center, creating a crisp and vibrant contrast. As the flowers mature, the centers may become more pronounced with a deeper yellow hue, adding to the visual interest of the plant. The foliage of Heath Aster 'Brimstone' is also distinctive, consisting of fine, needle-like leaves that are often a grey or blue-green color, contributing to the plant's bushy and feathery appearance. The leaves are numerous and densely arranged, giving the overall impression of a full and lush mound of greenery from which the numerous flower stems arise. As the plant blooms and reaches full display, it can become a focal point in a garden setting, with its profusion of flowers attracting various pollinators such as bees and butterflies. Overall, the visual impact of this plant is one of delicate texture and a generous flowering display that can add lightness and brightness to any planting arrangement.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Heath Aster, White Heath Aster, White Prairie Aster, White Oldfield Aster, Frost Aster
Common names
Aster ericoides 'Brimstone', Aster novi-belgii var. ericoides 'Brimstone', Symphyotrichum novi-belgii var. ericoides 'Brimstone'.
ToxicityTo humans
Heath aster is not commonly known to be toxic to humans. There are typically no significant symptoms of poisoning associated with this plant due to its low toxicity profile. While it is not advisable to ingest any plant material that is not known to be edible, consuming parts of the heath aster is unlikely to result in serious consequences to human health.
To pets
Heath aster is also not commonly known to be toxic to pets. Similar to its effects on humans, it does not typically cause symptoms of poisoning in animals. Ingesting parts of the heath aster should not have serious toxic consequences for pets, though it is always recommended to prevent pets from eating plants not intended for consumption as individual reactions can vary.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
1-3 feet (0.3-0.9 meters)
Spread
1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4-9
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts pollinators - Symphyotrichum ericoides 'Brimstone', commonly known as Heath Aster, entices bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects to the garden, helping to pollinate plants.
- Drought tolerant - Once established, this plant can tolerate periods of low water, making it suitable for xeriscaping and drought-prone areas.
- Low maintenance - Heath Aster typically requires minimal care, making it an easy addition for gardeners of all levels.
- Cold hardy - It can withstand cold temperatures, making it suitable for planting in a variety of climates and extending the gardening season into the fall.
- Erosion control - The dense growth habit of Heath Aster can help stabilize soil and prevent erosion.
- Decorative uses - With its abundant tiny white flowers, it's often used in bouquets and as dried flowers for decorative purposes.
- Habitat enrichment - Heath Aster provides habitat and food for wildlife, including birds that feed on the seeds in winter.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Photography Backdrop: With its dense clusters of small, white to pale pink flowers, Symphyotrichum ericoides 'Brimstone', or heath aster, serves as a beautiful natural backdrop for close-up photography of insects and other small wildlife.
- Filling Flowerbed Gaps: Heath aster can be used to fill in gaps in garden flowerbeds, as it grows into a bushy shape that can cover unsightly bare spots.
- Erosion Control: Its root system helps to stabilize soil in areas prone to erosion, so planting heath aster on slopes can aid in preventing soil loss.
- Artistic Inspiration: The intricate structure and delicate appearance of heath aster flowers make them a favored subject for botanical illustration and watercolor painting.
- Seasonal Wreaths: The stems and flowers of heath aster can be dried and woven into wreaths and other decorative items for fall decor.
- Thematic Gardening: Heath aster can be incorporated into a 'moon garden' where its light-colored flowers stand out in the evening and attract night-time pollinators.
- Children's Garden: Symphyotrichum ericoides 'Brimstone' is an educational plant for children's gardens to teach about the life cycle of plants and pollination due to its attractiveness to bees and butterflies.
- Ground Cover: Its low, spreading habit makes heath aster useful for ground cover in sunny areas, providing a blanket of flowers in late summer to fall.
- Eco-Friendly Gift: Small potted heath asters can be presented as eco-friendly gifts that encourage the recipient to support pollinator-friendly gardening.
- Living Fence: When planted in a dense row, heath aster can form a semi-permanent, living barrier during its growing season, though it dies back in winter.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe heath aster is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe heath aster is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Determination - Symphyotrichum ericoides 'Brimstone', commonly known as Heath Aster, often thrives in challenging conditions, reflecting a spirit of perseverance and determination.
- New Beginnings - The Heath Aster blooms in late summer through fall, symbolically representing new phases in life or new ventures.
- Purity - The bright and delicate white flowers of the Heath Aster often symbolize purity and innocence.
- Patience - As a plant that grows slowly and blooms late in the season, the Heath Aster can represent patience and the importance of waiting for the right moment.
- Protection - In some traditions, asters are believed to hold protective qualities, potentially warding off negative energies.
WaterThe Heath Aster should be watered deeply once a week, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. During the active growing season, typically spring through fall, you might need to increase watering to twice a week if conditions are very dry. Each watering session should provide enough water to penetrate the top 6-8 inches of soil, which generally equates to about 1 gallon of water per plant, depending on the size and age of the plant. During winter, watering should be reduced to every other week or less, as the plant requires less moisture when it's not actively growing.
LightHeath Asters prefer full sun conditions to thrive. They should be placed in a spot that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. Avoid areas that are shaded for the majority of the day, as insufficient light can lead to poor blooming and weak growth.
TemperatureHeath Asters are hardy and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, but they grow best in conditions between 60°F and 75°F. They can survive short periods of colder weather down to about -20°F but should be protected from prolonged freezes. During hot weather, they can handle temperatures up to 90°F without issue.
PruningPruning Heath Asters is mainly done to maintain plant shape and to encourage bushier growth with more blooms. Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins, removing any dead or damaged stems. Additionally, you can deadhead spent flowers throughout the blooming season to encourage more blooms. Pruning should not be too severe; just trim enough to shape the plant and remove unwanted growth.
CleaningAs needed
SoilHeath Aster (Symphyotrichum ericoides 'Brimstone') thrives in well-draining, loamy soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH between 6.0 and 7.0. A mix containing equal parts garden soil, peat moss, and perlite or sand would provide a suitable growing medium that supports good root health.
RepottingHeath Aster (Symphyotrichum ericoides 'Brimstone') should be repotted every 2 to 3 years, or when it becomes root-bound. It's best to repot in the spring just as new growth begins, allowing the plant to swiftly establish in the fresh soil.
Humidity & MistingHeath Aster (Symphyotrichum ericoides 'Brimstone') is adaptable to a wide range of humidity levels and typically does well in average outdoor conditions. No specific humidity level is required, but it enjoys the natural variation of outdoor environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright indirect light, and ensure good air flow.
Outdoor
Choose sunny spot, and protect from strong winds.
Hardiness zone
3-8 USDA
Life cycleThe life cycle of Symphyotrichum ericoides 'Brimstone', commonly known as Heath Aster 'Brimstone', begins with seed germination which typically occurs in spring under suitable moisture and temperature conditions. Seedlings emerge and develop into juvenile plants with characteristic narrow, linear leaves. As the plant matures through the growing season, it forms a bushy clump with numerous branched stems. Flowering occurs in late summer to fall, producing clusters of small, daisy-like white flowers with yellow centers that are attractive to various pollinators. After pollination, seeds are produced and dispersed, which can lead to new plants the following growing season. Finally, the plant enters a period of dormancy during winter, with above-ground parts dying back and growth resuming from the root system or new seeds as conditions improve in spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Late Summer
Propogation: The Symphyotrichum ericoides 'Brimstone', commonly known as the heath aster, can be propagated through stem cuttings. This method is particularly popular because it allows gardeners to create clones of a parent plant, ensuring that the offspring bear the same desirable characteristics. It is best performed in spring to early summer, when the plant is actively growing. To propagate heath aster from cuttings, take a 4-6 inch cutting from a healthy, non-flowering stem. Remove the leaves from the bottom half of the cutting, dip the cut end in rooting hormone, and plant into a moist, well-drained potting mix. Provide indirect light and maintain consistent moisture until the cutting has rooted, which typically takes a few weeks. Once the rooting is established, it can be transplanted to your garden or a larger container.
