Italian Aster Aster amellus 'King George'
ABOUT
The Aster amellus 'King George', commonly known as the Italian Aster, is a perennial plant known for its vibrant and showy flowers. It features a clump of foliage at the base from which multiple branched stems arise. The leaves are lance-shaped, with a smooth texture and a glossy green color, which provide a lush backdrop to the blossoms. The most striking feature of Italian Aster 'King George' is its blossoms, which bloom profusely in late summer to fall. The flowers are daisy-like, with a central disc surrounded by slender, vividly purple petals that are evenly spaced around the center, creating a star-like appearance. The central disc is typically yellow or yellow-orange, adding a striking contrast against the purple petals. The blossoms form a rounded, bushy mass, creating a dense floral display that adds a pop of color to the garden. The Italian Aster's flowers are not only beautiful but are also attractive to pollinators such as bees and butterflies, making them an excellent choice for wildlife gardens. The overall form of the plant is neat and mounded, making it well-suited for borders, rock gardens, and as a complement to other late-flowering plants in a mixed border.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
Italian Aster, European Michaelmas Daisy, King George Aster
Common names
Aster amellus 'King George'.
ToxicityTo humans
The Italian aster, which is the most common common name for Aster amellus 'King George', is not typically known to be toxic to humans. These plants are generally considered safe and are not known to cause poisoning if ingested. However, individuals may still want to exercise caution as people can have different sensitivities or allergies to plants, which could result in mild gastrointestinal upset or allergic reactions in rare cases.
To pets
The Italian aster, also known as Aster amellus 'King George', is not commonly recognized as a toxic plant to pets such as dogs and cats. It is not known to cause serious illness or symptoms of poisoning if pets consume parts of this plant. Nonetheless, as with any non-food plant material, ingestion may lead to gastrointestinal discomfort, such as vomiting or diarrhea, due to irritation of the digestive tract, especially if consumed in large quantities. It’s always prudent for pet owners to monitor their pets and prevent them from eating large amounts of any plant material.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Violet
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: The bright, showy flowers of Aster amellus 'King George' attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects to the garden.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, it requires minimal care, tolerating a range of soil conditions and drought.
- Long Blooming Season: It produces flowers from late summer into fall, adding consistent color to the landscape when many other plants have finished blooming.
- Hardy Perennial: It is resilient and can survive harsh winters, returning each spring without needing to be replanted.
- Ornamental Value: With its vivid purple flowers and neat green foliage, it provides aesthetic beauty and can be used in various garden designs, including borders and rock gardens.
- Erosion Control: Its roots help stabilize soil and prevent erosion, particularly on slopes or in areas with loose soil.
- Habitat Enrichment: It provides food and habitat for local fauna, contributing to biodiversity in the garden.
- Easy to Propagate: It can be easily propagated by division, allowing gardeners to spread the plant throughout their garden or share with others.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Artistic Inspiration: Aster amellus 'King George' flowers provide vibrant hues that can be used as reference points for artists and textile designers when creating patterns and color palettes.
- Educational Tool: Educators can use the plant to demonstrate plant biology and pollination to students, as it attracts bees and butterflies.
- Photography Subject: With its striking appearance, the plant serves as a superb subject for nature photographers and photography workshops focusing on macro techniques.
- Culinary Garnish: The petals, being edible, can be used to add color and mild flavor to salads and desserts, although this is not a common practice.
- Craft Materials: Dried flowers and stems can be used in crafting for making potpourri, decorative wreaths, or as natural confetti for events.
- Natural Dye: The petals can be boiled to extract natural dyes for fabrics or artisanal paper, giving a soft, light color.
- Landscape Design: Horticulturalists may use the plant as an example when teaching about garden design and the use of perennials in borders and beds.
- Ephemeral Art: Petals and leaves can be arranged on the ground to create temporary, eco-friendly art installations in outdoor spaces.
- Garden Fragrance Enhancer: Its mild fragrance can contribute to a multi-sensory garden experience when planted among other non-fragrant plants.
- Ice Cubes Decoration: Freeze petals in ice cubes to create an elegant touch for specialty cocktails or punches at garden parties.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Italian Aster is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Italian Aster is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Patience: Aster amellus, widely known as the European Michaelmas Daisy, is associated with the virtue of patience, representing the wisdom of letting things unfold in their own time.
- Elegance: The regal name 'King George' and the well-defined beauty of its petals contribute to its symbolism of sophistication and graceful presence.
- Daintiness: With its delicate form and intricate flower structure, the Europen Michaelmas Daisy symbolizes daintiness and the idea of a tender, careful approach to life.
- Remembrance: Across many cultures, asters are known to symbolize remembrance and are used to honor and remember loved ones who have passed away.
- Love of Variety: The myriad colors and forms of the European Michaelmas Daisy symbolize a love of diversity and an appreciation for the wide array of experiences life offers.
- Power: The name 'King George' itself suggests a sense of sovereignty and command, reflecting the plant's association with strength and power.
WaterItalian Aster requires regular watering, particularly during dry periods. Water deeply once a week, providing about one to two gallons per plant, ensuring you're moistening the soil to a depth of at least eight inches. Less frequent, deep watering encourages the plant to develop a strong root system. During periods of extreme heat or prolonged drought, you may need to water more often, while in cool, damp weather, you can reduce the frequency. Always check the soil moisture level before watering to avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot.
LightItalian Aster thrives in full sun conditions, which means it should receive at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. The best spot for this plant is in a location where it is exposed to unfiltered sunlight for the majority of the day. Although it can tolerate a bit of shade, too much can lead to weak growth and fewer blooms.
TemperatureItalian Asters prefer moderate to warm temperatures and will grow best in conditions ranging between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. They can survive minimum temperatures down to around 20 degrees Fahrenheit but are not tolerant of excessive heat above 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Maintaining an ideal temperature within this range will promote healthy growth and abundant flowering.
PruningPrune Italian Aster to maintain its shape, encourage bushier growth, and remove spent flowers, which promotes further blooming. The best time to prune is in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Deadheading, or removing faded flowers, should be done regularly throughout the blooming season to keep the plant looking tidy and to encourage more blooms.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Italian Aster 'King George' thrives best in well-draining soil amended with organic matter, such as compost or aged manure. A slightly acidic to neutral pH range of 6.0 to 7.0 is ideal for this perennial plant. A mix of garden soil, compost, and perlite or sand can create the perfect environment for its roots.
RepottingItalian Asters, including 'King George', generally do not need frequent repotting and are typically repotted every 2-3 years. It's important to refresh the soil and check if the plant has outgrown its container, which can prompt a need for repotting.
Humidity & MistingItalian Aster 'King George' tolerates a wide range of humidity levels and does well in average garden conditions. They do not require special humidity considerations, making them versatile for various outdoor climates.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright light, good ventilation, and pot with drainage for indoor Italian Aster.
Outdoor
Plant in sunny spot, amend soil with compost, ensure good drainage.
Hardiness zone
5-8 USDA
Life cycleAster amellus 'King George', commonly known as 'King George' Michaelmas Daisy, beings its life as a seed that, once sown and germinated, develops into a small seedling. The seedling gradually matures into a vegetative stage where it forms a rosette of leaves at the ground level. As the plant grows, it enters the vegetative growth stage where the stem elongates, and more leaves are produced to maximize photosynthesis. Upon reaching maturity, the plant undergoes the flowering stage, typically in late summer or early fall, producing vibrant purple flowers that attract pollinators. After pollination, the flowers produce seeds that, once dispersed, have the potential to grow into new plants, thus completing the cycle. During the winter or less favorable conditions, the plant may go dormant, conserving energy until favorable growing conditions return.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Aster amellus 'King George', commonly known as Italian aster, is best propagated by division. The ideal time for this method is in the spring or early fall when the plant is not in bloom and the temperatures are moderate. To propagate by division, dig up the entire plant and gently separate it into smaller clumps, ensuring that each section has a portion of the root system and several shoots. These sections can then be replanted in well-draining soil, spaced about 12 to 18 inches apart, which translates to roughly 30 to 45 centimeters. Water the new divisions regularly until they are established, but be careful not to overwater to prevent root rot. Division not only helps to propagate new plants but also rejuvenates older plants that may have become woody or less floriferous over time.
