Heath Aster Symphyotrichum ericoides 'Pink Cloud'
ABOUT
The plant known as 'Pink Cloud' is a visually delightful variety that displays a profusion of small, daisy-like flowers. These blossoms have a beautiful soft pink hue, lending the plant its dreamy name. Each flower is composed of fine, needle-like petals that radiate around a yellow center, giving it a classic yet delicate appearance. The foliage is a dense, bushy mass of fine, narrow leaves that are typically green and can add a lush backdrop to the flowering spectacle. The ‘Pink Cloud’ variety creates an illusion akin to a soft, pink mist or cloud when in full bloom due to the sheer volume of flowers covering the plant, creating a vibrant and appealing display in any garden or landscape setting. Its overall form is rounded and mounded, giving this plant a tidy and compact look, ideal for both naturalistic and formal garden designs.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
White Heath Aster, Heath Aster, Pink Cloud Aster
Common names
Aster ericoides 'Pink Cloud', Symphyotrichum pilosum var. ericoides 'Pink Cloud'.
ToxicityTo humans
Heath aster is generally not considered toxic to humans. There are no commonly reported symptoms of poisoning from ingesting parts of this plant. However, it's always advisable to avoid eating ornamental plants as they are not intended for consumption, and individuals may have differing sensitivities or allergic reactions.
To pets
Heath aster is not known to be toxic to pets. It is not listed among plants commonly recognized as poisonous to cats, dogs, or other domestic animals. Nevertheless, ingestion of plant material can sometimes lead to gastrointestinal upset in pets, such as vomiting or diarrhea, due to the ingestion of non-food items, rather than a toxic reaction to the plant itself. It's still best to discourage pets from eating ornamental plants.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
1-4 feet (0.3-1.2 meters)
Spread
1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3-9
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: Symphyotrichum ericoides 'Pink Cloud', commonly known as Heath Aster, is attractive to bees, butterflies, and other pollinating insects, which aids in the pollination of gardens and ecosystems.
- Low Maintenance: Heath Aster is known for being easy to care for, requiring minimal watering and feeding once established, making it ideal for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, it has good drought tolerance, meaning it can survive in dryer conditions without frequent watering.
- Aesthetic Appeal: With its delicate pink flowers, Heath Aster adds a splash of color to gardens in the late summer and fall, enhancing the visual attractiveness of the landscape.
- Erosion Control: Its root system helps to stabilize the soil, making it useful for controlling erosion in certain areas.
- Versatile Planting: Can be used in a range of garden designs, including borders, rockeries, and wildflower meadows.
- Wildlife Habitat: Provides food and habitat for insects and can be part of a wildlife-friendly garden.
- Late Season Bloom: Flowers in late summer to fall, providing color and interest in the garden when many other plants have finished blooming.
- Edging and Groundcover: Can be used as an edging plant or groundcover, spreading to fill in spaces and suppress weeds.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Dried Floral Arrangements: The small, delicate blooms of the heath aster can be dried and used to create long-lasting arrangements or wreaths.
- Photography Backdrop: With its dense clusters of small, pink flowers, heath aster provides a beautiful, natural backdrop for garden and macro photography.
- Fabric Dyeing: The flowers can potentially be used to create a natural dye for fabrics, offering a soft, pink hue.
- Crafting Potpourri: Dried heath aster flowers can be mixed with other botanicals to create a fragrant potpourri for home scenting.
- Artistic Inspiration: Artists may use the heath aster as a subject for paintings, drawings, and other artworks, capturing its delicate form and color.
- Educational Resource: Gardens can use the heath aster to educate visitors about native plants and their role in supporting local ecosystems.
- Living Mulch: The plant can serve as a ground cover, providing living mulch that helps retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.
- Marker Plant: Heath aster can be used to mark the boundaries of garden paths or property lines due to its distinctive and compact growth habit.
- Theme Gardens: It fits well in themed gardens, such as a 'pink' garden where all flowers share a similar hue, or a 'butterfly' garden focused on attracting pollinators.
- Erosion Control: Its ability to form dense mats can help stabilize soil and prevent erosion on slopes or in areas prone to soil degradation.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiHeath Aster is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityHeath Aster is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Diversification: Symphyotrichum ericoides, commonly known as Heath Aster, often symbolizes diversification due to its branches spreading extensively, resembling multiple paths and opportunities.
- Ephemeral Beauty: The Heath Aster's 'Pink Cloud' variety, with its delicate pink blossoms, represents the fleeting nature of beauty, as each flower only blooms for a short period.
- Persistence: As a plant that thrives in challenging conditions and can cover grounds prolifically, the Heath Aster signifies persistence and the will to grow despite obstacles.
- Patience: The blooming of the Heath Aster later in the season is indicative of patience, teaching us to wait for the right moment to shine.
- New Beginnings: Often one of the last flowers to bloom in fall, the Heath Aster is a symbol of new beginnings, suggesting hope and renewal even as the colder season approaches.
WaterHeath aster, commonly known as Symphyotrichum ericoides 'Pink Cloud', prefers consistent moisture but is relatively drought-tolerant once established. It should be watered deeply once a week, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. During periods of extreme heat or drought, increase the frequency to twice a week, providing about one gallon of water for each plant per watering. Always avoid overhead watering to reduce the risk of fungal diseases. During the winter or in cooler temperatures, reduce watering to match the plant's decreased need for moisture.
LightHeath aster thrives in full sun, meaning it requires at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. The ideal spot for this plant would be a location that is exposed to the morning sun and continues to receive light throughout the day. Dappled sunlight during the hottest part of the day can help protect the plant from scorching, but too much shade can cause it to grow leggy and reduce blooming.
TemperatureHeath aster can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, making it a resilient addition to the garden. It can survive minimum temperatures down to about -30 degrees Fahrenheit and is hardy in USDA zones 3 to 9. Its ideal growing temperature ranges from 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It is important to protect this plant from sudden late spring frosts after new growth appears.
PruningPruning heath aster is important to maintain its shape and promote vigorous growth. The best time to prune is in late winter or early spring, just before new growth starts. Cut the plant back by about one-third to one-half of its size to encourage bushier growth and more flowers. Deadhead spent blossoms regularly throughout the blooming season to promote continuous flowering. Pruning may also be done after flowering to tidy the plant and prepare it for winter.
CleaningAs needed
SoilHeath Aster 'Pink Cloud' thrives best in well-draining soil with a good mix of loam, peat, and sand to facilitate drainage. The ideal pH range for the soil should be slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0 to 7.0). A layer of organic mulch can be beneficial in retaining moisture and regulating soil temperature.
RepottingHeath Aster 'Pink Cloud' does not typically require frequent repotting as it is often grown as a perennial outdoor plant. It should be repotted or divided every 3-4 years to avoid overcrowding and to refresh the soil.
Humidity & MistingHeath Aster 'Pink Cloud' is tolerant of a wide range of humidity levels and does not require any special humidity conditions. It can thrive in the ambient outdoor humidity in most climates where it is hardy.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright indirect light; water when topsoil feels dry.
Outdoor
Full sun to part shade; well-drained soil; mulch in winter.
Hardiness zone
3-8 USDA
Life cycleHeather Aster, a cultivar of Symphyotrichum ericoides, begins its life as a seed, which, when sown in spring, germinates in the warm, moist soil. After germination, the seedling develops a root system and shoots, growing into a vegetative plant with fine, needle-like leaves. The plant reaches maturity by late summer to early fall, at which point it blooms, producing clusters of small, pink daisy-like flowers that attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies. After flowering, the plant sets seed, which is then dispersed by wind, allowing the life cycle to start anew. In winter, the aerial parts of Heather Aster die back, with the plant surviving as underground roots and shoots that will regrow the following spring. This plant is a perennial and will return annually, repeating this life cycle for several years.
PropogationPropogation time
Late Summer to Early Fall
The most popular method of propagation for the Heath Aster 'Pink Cloud' is through division. This method is best performed in the early spring or fall. To propagate by division, carefully dig up an established Heath Aster plant, making sure to keep a good amount of roots intact. Gently separate the clump into smaller sections, each with several shoots and a portion of the root system. Replant the divisions at the same depth they were growing at previously, spacing them about 18 inches (approximately 45 centimeters) apart to allow for growth. Water the new plants thoroughly after planting to help establish them. This method is effective because it helps rejuvenate overcrowded clumps and produces new plants that will bloom reliably.
