New York Aster Symphyotrichum novi-belgii 'Ada Ballard'
ABOUT
The 'Ada Ballard' aster is a delightful perennial that is admired for its ornamental qualities, especially during its blooming season in late summer to autumn. This plant showcases an array of daisy-like flowers with a lush, vibrant purple color, which is both eyecatching and provides a lively splash of color in the garden. The flowers are composed of a dense center of tiny, yellow disks, encircled by a multitude of elongated purple petals that radiate outwards, giving it a classical and charming flower form. The foliage consists of green leaves, which are generally narrow and lance-shaped, creating an attractive contrast with the colorful blooms. The appearance of the 'Ada Ballard' aster is typical of the aster family, combining both beauty and a bushy growth habit that makes it an excellent choice for garden borders or as an addition to flower arrangements, where its bright blossoms can truly stand out.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae.
Synonyms
New York Aster, Michaelmas Daisy, Ada Ballard Aster.
Common names
Aster novi-belgii 'Ada Ballard', Symphyotrichum novi-belgii var. novi-belgii 'Ada Ballard'.
ToxicityTo humans
New York aster, the common name of Symphyotrichum novi-belgii 'Ada Ballard', is generally not considered toxic to humans. There is no significant evidence to suggest that this plant, if ingested, leads to poisoning or adverse health effects in humans. However, it is always best to avoid eating parts of ornamental plants due to the possibility of individual allergies or gastrointestinal discomfort.
To pets
New York aster, the common name of Symphyotrichum novi-belgii 'Ada Ballard', is not commonly known to be toxic to pets such as dogs and cats. There are no well-documented cases of poisoning from ingestion of this plant by household pets. However, as individual pets can have different sensitivities, it is advisable to prevent pets from ingesting this plant to avoid any potential gastrointestinal upset.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Blue
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4-8
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Adds vibrant colors to gardens with its striking purple-blue flowers during late summer and autumn.
- Attracts Wildlife: Provides nectar for pollinators such as butterflies and bees, enhancing biodiversity.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, it requires minimal care, making it ideal for busy gardeners.
- Drought Tolerance: Can survive in dry soils, reducing the need for frequent watering once mature.
- Winter Interest: When left uncut, the dried flower heads can provide visual interest in the winter landscape.
- Easy Propagation: Can be easily propagated by division, allowing gardeners to create more plants for free.
- Soil Adaptability: Tolerates a wide range of soil conditions, from clay to loam, making it suitable for various garden settings.
- Garden Borders: Works well in creating attractive garden borders and beds with its mounded growth habit.
- Naturalization: Can spread and naturalize in an area, which can be beneficial in large, wild garden designs.
- Companion Planting: Pairs well with other late-flowering perennials, providing a coherent display into late season.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Symphyotrichum novi-belgii 'Ada Ballard', commonly known as New England Aster, can sometimes be used as a natural dye, providing colors that range from light to dark shades depending on the mordant used.
- The plant is occasionally included in educational programs for children and adults alike to learn about native plant species and their role in supporting local ecosystems.
- The stems and leaves can be used in crafts, such as in the creation of natural wreaths or as components in eco-printing on textiles.
- New England Aster adds visual interest in wildlife photography due to its brightly colored flowers and the pollinators it attracts, making it a useful prop in gardenscapes.
- Its dried flowers are sometimes used in potpourri mixes, contributing both color and a light, pleasant scent to the blend.
- The flowers can be used as a natural confetti in outdoor celebrations, especially in environmentally sensitive areas where traditional confetti would be inappropriate.
- The plant can be used in garden therapy programs, serving as an engaging tool for horticultural therapists working with various client populations.
- New England Aster seeds are a valuable food source for birds, and planting this species can support birdfeeding efforts without the need for conventional seed mixes.
- In artistic fields, the unique structure of New England Aster can inspire patterns in design and fashion, with its starry blooms reflected in fabric prints and other decorative applications.
- This plant’s presence can contribute to the integrity of streambank and shoreline plantings, helping with erosion control while simultaneously providing aesthetic value and wildlife habitat.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe New York aster is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe New York aster is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Love and affection: Symphyotrichum novi-belgii 'Ada Ballard', commonly known as the New York aster, often symbolizes love and affection due to its vibrant and enchanting flowers that are reminiscent of daisy-like affection.
- Elegance and patience: The delicate and orderly arrangement of its petals reflects the virtues of elegance and the patience required for its late bloom in the fall.
- Remembrance: Asters are frequently associated with remembrance due to their role in mythology and history, where they were often used to adorn altars and graves.
- Variety and diversity: As there are many varieties of asters with different colors and forms, they can represent variety and the richness of experiences in life.
- Wisdom: In floral language, asters can also signify wisdom, perhaps because of their long-lasting presence into the waning days of the year, reminding us of knowledge gathered over time.
WaterThe New York aster 'Ada Ballard' should be watered regularly to keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy. During the growing season, it's typically best to water it once every week, providing about 1 to 1.5 gallons of water per plant, depending on the soil type and climate. In periods of drought or extreme heat, you may need to water the aster twice a week to maintain adequate moisture levels. Reduce watering in the fall as the plant prepares for dormancy, and always check the soil moisture before watering to prevent overwatering.
LightNew York aster 'Ada Ballard' thrives in full sunlight conditions. It prefers a spot that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. While it can tolerate partial shade, too little light can lead to leggy growth and fewer blooms. The ideal spot for this plant would be in a south-facing garden where it can bask in the sun’s rays for the majority of the day.
TemperatureNew York aster 'Ada Ballard' is hardy and can tolerate a range of temperatures. The ideal growing temperatures for this plant are between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It can survive minimum temperatures down to about -20 degrees Fahrenheit and is suitable for growing in USDA zones 4 through 8. Extreme heat above 90 degrees Fahrenheit may stress the plant, so providing some afternoon shade in scorching climates can be beneficial.
PruningNew York aster 'Ada Ballard' benefits from pruning to stimulate bushier growth and more blooms. It's best to prune in early spring, cutting back the previous year's growth to about 4 to 6 inches to promote fresh, vigorous stems. Deadheading spent flowers during the blooming season encourages more blooms and extends the flowering period. After the first killing frost, you can also cut the plant back to the ground to tidy the garden and prevent disease.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for the New York Aster (Symphyotrichum novi-belgii 'Ada Ballard') is well-draining and fertile, with a good balance of organic matter like compost or peat moss. The soil pH should ideally range from 6.0 to 8.0. Incorporate a slow-release fertilizer into the mix before planting for best results.
RepottingNew York Aster plants typically do not need to be repotted frequently, as they are often grown as annuals. If grown as perennials, repot every 2-3 years or when the plant outgrows its container, using the appropriate soil mix mentioned previously.
Humidity & MistingNew York Aster ('Ada Ballard') prefers outdoor conditions where humidity is naturally regulated. It does not have specific humidity requirements and can tolerate a range typical of most garden environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright light and well-draining soil.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, well-drained soil, and space adequately.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleSymphyotrichum novi-belgii 'Ada Ballard', commonly known as New York aster 'Ada Ballard', begins its life as a seed that germinates in early spring. Upon germination, the seedling emerges and develops into a vegetative plant, producing a tuft of basal leaves. As the plant grows, it forms a clump with upright stems, and in the summer, it starts to produce buds at the tips of the stems. These buds bloom into vibrant daisy-like purple flowers with yellow centers in late summer to fall, attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies. After pollination, the flowers produce seeds which are then dispersed by wind or wildlife. The plant goes dormant in winter, with the roots surviving underground to regenerate the next spring, completing the cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Late winter to early spring
The New York aster 'Ada Ballard', scientifically known as Symphyotrichum novi-belgii 'Ada Ballard', is commonly propagated by division, which is the most popular method. This method involves gently separating the plant's root system into smaller sections, each with roots and shoots, and is best performed in early spring as new growth begins. Using a sharp spade or knife, dig around the plant and lift it from the soil, then carefully pull or cut the clumps apart, ensuring that each division has a healthy piece of rootstock and several shoots. Replant the divisions promptly, spacing them about 18 inches (approximately 45.7 centimeters) apart to allow room for growth. Water the newly planted divisions well to help establish them in their new location. This straightforward technique allows gardeners to quickly and effectively increase their stock of New York asters and rejuvenate older, overcrowded clumps.
