Italian Aster Aster amellus 'Veilchenkönigin'
ABOUT
Aster amellus 'Veilchenkönigin', commonly known as the Italian aster, is admired for its showy floral display and attractive foliage. The plant's flowers are a standout feature, with captivating violet petals that form a daisy-like shape. The petals radiate around a central yellow disc, which serves as an appealing contrast to the deeper violet and lends an eye-catching quality to the blooms. These flower heads form an umbrella-like cluster towards the top of the plant, providing a splash of color that tends to draw in both the eyes of admirers and pollinators such as bees and butterflies. The Italian aster's leaves are another point of interest; they are lance-shaped, with a somewhat glossy surface and a rich green color that complements the vibrant flowers. This foliage creates a lush backdrop that emphasizes the beauty of the purple blooms. The plant has a bushy habit, presenting a dense and compact appearance that allows it to fit well into garden borders and flower beds. These qualities, along with the dazzling blooms and lush leaves, make the Italian aster 'Veilchenkönigin' a popular choice among gardeners looking to add a long-lasting pop of color to their outdoor spaces.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
Italian Aster, European Michaelmas Daisy
Common names
Aster amellus 'Veilchenkönigin'.
ToxicityTo humans
The Italian Aster is not known for being toxic to humans. There are no well-documented cases or specific reports of poisoning resultant from ingesting this plant. However, as a general precaution, it is advisable not to eat any part of ornamental plants because some individuals may experience allergic reactions or mild gastrointestinal upset if ingested in large quantities. If any symptoms do occur after ingestion, seek medical advice.
To pets
The Italian Aster is not commonly known to be toxic to pets such as dogs and cats. Most asters are considered non-toxic, and there are no specific reports of serious illness linked to the ingestion of this plant by pets. Nevertheless, pets may still experience mild gastrointestinal upset if they consume large amounts of the plant. If you notice your pet showing symptoms of distress after eating Italian Aster, it is prudent to consult your veterinarian.
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
4-8
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: The Aster amellus 'Veilchenkönigin', also known as the Italian Aster, adds vibrant color to gardens with its deep violet-purple flowers.
- Attracts Pollinators: The plant is highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, supporting biodiversity.
- Seasonal Interest: It typically blooms in late summer to autumn, providing color and interest in the garden during a time when many other plants are fading.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, the Italian Aster is relatively drought-tolerant, making it suitable for xeriscaping or gardens with lower water availability.
- Easy to Grow: This perennial is known for being easy to cultivate, requiring minimal maintenance once established.
- Long Blooming Period: The plant can bloom for several weeks, providing a long-lasting display of color.
- Compact Size: It remains a manageable size, making it a good choice for borders, rock gardens, or small spaces.
- Cold Hardy: Italian Aster is capable of withstanding cold temperatures, making it suitable for many temperate climates.
- Versatility: It can be used in a variety of garden settings, including borders, wildflower gardens, cottage gardens, and containers.
- Propagation: The plant can be easily propagated by division, allowing gardeners to spread the beauty to other areas of their garden without additional cost.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Aster amellus 'Veilchenkönigin', commonly known as Italian Aster, can be used in natural dye production. The flowers may yield a range of soft colors when used as a dye for fabrics or yarns.
- The petals of Italian Aster can be pressed and included in bookmarks or greeting cards for a touch of natural beauty and personalization.
- Italian Aster can be used in crafts such as flower pressing, which is popular for creating botanical art and preserving the beauty of flowers in a flattened form.
- The stems and flowers of Italian Astor can be utilized in the creation of natural insect repellents when combined with other aromatic herbs.
- Italian Aster can be incorporated into potpourri mixes, giving a visual charm and a subtle fragrance to a room when dried.
- The Italian Aster's vibrant blossoms are suitable for decorative cake toppings, although they should be used sparingly and removed before consumption as they are not generally recognized as edible.
- These flowers can be used to create natural confetti for eco-friendly celebrations like weddings.
- Italian Aster can provide a source of inspiration for artists and be used as models for botanical illustrations.
- The flowers of the Italian Aster can be submerged in water to create a floating floral display for events and serene home decor.
- Italian Aster can be used as a living mulch to suppress weeds while adding color and interest to garden beds.
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: Asters bloom in late summer to early fall, which symbolizes the virtue of patience in waiting for something beautiful.
- Elegance and Daintiness: The delicate shape and structure of the aster flower is commonly associated with refinement and the delicate beauty of nature.
- Variety and Diversity: With over 600 species, asters reflect the theme of diversity and the richness that comes from different characteristics and types.
- Wisdom: In some folklore, the aster is linked to wisdom. The name "aster" comes from the Ancient Greek word for "star," which may also imply celestial influence or enlightenment.
- Love and Devotion: Often found in mythology and associated with the goddess Venus, asters are tied to love, affection, and a devotion that lasts over time.
- Farewell or Departure: Asters are also a symbol for saying goodbye or celebrating a memory, commonly included in bouquets meant to bid farewell or to honor someone's memory.
- Power and Strength: The endurance of the aster to bloom right up to frost gives it a symbolic tie to strength, survival, and the power to endure.
WaterThe Italian Aster should be watered regularly but with caution to avoid over-saturation, approximately 1 gallon per week under normal weather conditions. During dry spells or hot weather, it may require watering twice a week. Ensure the soil is well-drained and allow the top inch to dry out between waterings. Reduce watering in the fall and further in the winter when the plant is dormant. Always water at the base of the plant to keep the foliage dry and prevent fungal diseases.
LightThe Italian Aster thrives best in full sun conditions, meaning at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day. Select a spot in your garden that receives unobstructed sunlight throughout the day to ensure healthy growth and abundant flowering.
TemperatureItalian Aster prefers moderate temperatures and can survive in a temperature range of 35°F to 75°F; however, the ideal growing temperatures are between 60°F and 70°F. Protect the plant from extreme cold by providing mulch or cover if unexpected frost threatens, and similarly, provide some shade or watering during extreme heat.
PruningPrune the Italian Aster to maintain shape, encourage bushier growth, remove any spent flowers to promote further blooming, and remove any dead or damaged stems. The best time to prune is late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Pruning may also be done after flowering to tidy up the plants.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Italian aster, or Aster amellus 'Veilchenkönigin', thrives best in well-drained, loamy soil with added organic matter. Aim for a soil pH between 6.0 and 7.5, slightly acidic to neutral.
RepottingItalian asters generally do not need frequent repotting and can be repotted every 2-3 years or when the plant outgrows its current container.
Humidity & MistingItalian asters prefer average humidity conditions and can tolerate some degree of variability without any special humidity adjustments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Keep in bright light, water when soil is dry, use well-draining pot mix.
Outdoor
Full sun, well-drained soil, and regular watering during dry spells.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycle"Veilchenkönigin", commonly known as the Italian Aster or "Violet Queen", begins its life cycle as a seed, typically sown in the early spring months. Upon germination, it produces a rosette of basal leaves and, as a perennial, it establishes a strong root system that enables it to come back year after year. Vegetative growth continues with the development of stems and leaves throughout the spring and early summer. By late summer to early fall, the "Veilchenkönigin" enters the flowering stage, producing its characteristic violet-purple flowers with yellow centers that attract a variety of pollinators. After flowering, seeds develop and are dispersed, usually by wind or wildlife, to perpetuate the cycle. During winter, the above-ground parts die back, but the plant survives underground through its root system, ready to re-emerge the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Early spring
The most popular method of propagation for the Aster amellus 'Veilchenkönigin', commonly known as Italian Aster, is by division. This is usually done in early spring as the plant emerges from dormancy or in the autumn, after the blooming has finished. To propagate by division, the gardener should carefully lift the entire plant from the ground, ensuring a good clump of roots is kept intact. Then, using a sharp knife or spade, the clump should be divided into smaller sections, each with several shoots and a portion of the root system. The divisions should be replanted promptly at the same depth they were growing before and watered thoroughly. For best results, adding a layer of mulch around the new plants can help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
