New York Aster Symphyotrichum novi-belgii 'Chatterbox'
ABOUT
The 'Chatterbox' is a variety of New York aster that is admired for its vibrant and decorative flowers. The prominent feature of this plant is its beautiful blooms, which come in a delightful shade of soft lavender to pink. Each flower consists of numerous slender petals that radiate from a yellow central disk, giving them a daisy-like appearance that is both charming and eye-catching. Throughout the blooming period, which generally occurs in the late summer through to fall, the 'Chatterbox' emerges as a lush mound adorned with a profusion of these striking flowers. The petals have a slightly drooping habit, adding a sense of grace and movement to the plant's overall look. The foliage of the 'Chatterbox' is composed of lance-shaped leaves that are medium green in color, providing a pleasant backdrop for the vivid flowers. The leaves are arrayed along the plant's stems, creating a full and verdant presence in the garden. Altogether, the 'Chatterbox' presents a lush, floral display that is typically abuzz with pollinators, further adding to its charm and its place in the garden as both a stunning ornamental and a beneficial plant for wildlife. With its rich coloring and profusion of blossoms, it is a favorite among gardeners looking to add a touch of romance and color to their outdoor spaces.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
New York Aster, Michaelmas Daisy
Common names
Aster novi-belgii 'Chatterbox', Symphyotrichum novi-belgii var. novi-belgii.
ToxicityTo humans
The New York aster 'Chatterbox' is not known to be toxic to humans. Generally, members of the Symphyotrichum genus are not considered poisonous, and there are no common reports of serious side effects following ingestion. However, as with any plant, individual allergies and sensitivity can vary, so it is always recommended to handle plants with care and avoid ingesting parts of plants not known to be edible.
To pets
The New York aster 'Chatterbox' is not regarded as toxic to pets. Most asters, including those in the Symphyotrichum genus, do not contain known toxins that pose a risk to dogs, cats, or other domestic animals. While it is still advised to prevent pets from eating non-edible plants, ingestion of this specific aster should not cause any significant symptoms of poisoning or serious health consequences. If your pet has a known plant allergy or sensitivity, it's best to be cautious and prevent access to the plant.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
3 feet (0.91 meters)
Spread
2 feet (0.61 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: New York aster 'Chatterbox' is known for its ability to attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, which play a crucial role in pollination.
- Aesthetic Appeal: With its vibrant, daisy-like purple flowers, it adds a pop of color to any garden, enhancing the visual interest and overall design.
- Long Blooming Period: It has a lengthy flowering season, from late summer to fall, providing color in the garden when many other plants have finished blooming.
- Easy to Grow: This plant is relatively easy to cultivate, requiring minimal maintenance, which is ideal for both experienced and novice gardeners.
- Drought Tolerance: It is capable of withstanding periods of low water availability, making it suitable for gardens in drier climates or for water-wise gardening practices.
- Wildlife Habitat: The dense growth habit of the New York aster 'Chatterbox' can provide shelter for small wildlife, contributing to biodiversity.
- Hardy Nature: It is known for its hardiness and ability to survive in a range of environmental conditions, including cold climates.
- Cut Flower Potential: The flowers are excellent for cutting and using in floral arrangements, enabling one to bring the garden's beauty indoors.
- Cultural Significance: Asters have various cultural meanings, including symbols of patience and elegance, adding a layer of interest to the garden beyond their aesthetic value.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- The New York aster 'Chatterbox' can be used in fabric dyeing, providing natural colors extracted from its petals or leaves.
- Its dried flowers can serve as a component in potpourri mixtures to add fragrance and color to a room.
- The plant's sturdy stems can be incorporated into rustic crafts and weavings, providing a natural element to handmade items.
- New York aster 'Chatterbox' can be cultivated as part of a butterfly garden, attracting various species with its nectar-rich flowers.
- The petals of the New York aster 'Chatterbox' can be used in bookmarks or paper-making for decorative purposes.
- The plant's visual appeal makes it suitable for use in photography and painting as a subject or backdrop.
- Pressed flowers of the New York aster 'Chatterbox' can be included in resin jewelry or other decorative art pieces for their aesthetic appeal.
- New York aster 'Chatterbox' foliage can be used as a natural mulch in garden beds, decomposing over time to enrich the soil.
- The flowers of the plant can be used in educational settings to help students learn about plant biology and pollination mechanisms.
- The New York aster 'Chatterbox' can be planted in a living roof or green roof project, contributing to biodiversity and building insulation properties.
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- New Beginnings: Symphyotrichum novi-belgii, commonly known as New York Aster 'Chatterbox', often symbolizes new beginnings or a fresh start because asters bloom in the fall, representing a second wave of color and life as the season changes.
- Elegance: The delicate petals and graceful appearance of the New York Aster 'Chatterbox' have come to represent elegance and refinement.
- Patience: The growth habit and bloom time of asters, requiring patience to achieve their full splendor, make them a symbol for patience and anticipation.
- Wisdom: In some cultures, asters are associated with wisdom, perhaps due to their late blooming and alignment with autumn, a season often linked with maturity and experience.
- Valor: Historically, the aster flower has been a symbol of valor and bravery, which could extend to the New York Aster 'Chatterbox' variety as well.
- Love and Affection: As with many flowers, asters, including the New York Aster 'Chatterbox', are often given as expressions of love and affection.
- Farewell or a Departure: The timing of its bloom, at the end of the growing season, sometimes leads to the New York Aster 'Chatterbox' being associated with farewells or the concept of departure.
WaterNew York asters like 'Chatterbox' need consistent moisture, especially when they are in bloom or during periods of drought. It is recommended to water these plants deeply once a week, providing about 1 gallon of water per square yard of soil. During particularly hot or dry spells, they may require additional water. Adjust the watering frequency based on rainfall, as too much water can also lead to root rot. Be sure to aim the water at the base of the plants to avoid wetting the foliage, which can promote disease.
LightThe New York aster 'Chatterbox' performs best in full sun, which means it needs at least 6 to 8 hours of sunlight each day. Place it in a spot where it can receive plenty of direct sunlight for profuse flowering. While it can tolerate some light shade, too much shade may result in fewer flowers and leggier growth.
TemperatureThe New York aster 'Chatterbox' is hardy and can withstand temperatures down to about 20 degrees Fahrenheit. However, it thrives in temperatures ranging from 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It's important to protect the plant from extreme heat and frost, ensuring it remains in conditions that don't exceed 85 degrees Fahrenheit or drop below the freezing point for optimal health and flowering.
PruningPruning New York asters like 'Chatterbox' can help maintain their shape, promote vigorous growth, and encourage more abundant flowering. Deadhead spent blooms regularly to encourage new flowers. In late autumn or early spring, cut back the entire plant to a few inches above the ground to prepare it for new growth. Additionally, you may perform light pruning during the growing season to keep the plant tidy.
CleaningAs needed
SoilNew York Aster 'Chatterbox' thrives in moist, well-draining soil with added organic matter. A mix of garden soil, compost, and perlite is ideal. The pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, around pH 6.0 to 7.0.
RepottingNew York Aster 'Chatterbox' typically does not need frequent repotting and can be repotted every 2-3 years to refresh the soil or if the plant outgrows its current pot.
Humidity & MistingNew York Aster 'Chatterbox' is tolerant of a wide range of humidity levels and does well in average garden environments but prefers a moderate humidity if grown indoors.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright light, consistent moisture, and good air circulation.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, ensure well-drained soil, water regularly.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleThe New York Aster 'Chatterbox' (Symphyotrichum novi-belgii 'Chatterbox') begins its life cycle when seeds germinate in the spring, requiring a period of stratification, or exposure to cold, to break dormancy. Once germinated, the seedlings develop into rosettes of leaves close to the ground. As the plant matures, it forms a clump with upright stems that grow taller throughout the spring and summer. By late summer to fall, the 'Chatterbox' reaches full maturity, producing an abundance of daisy-like purple-pink flowers with yellow centers that attract pollinators. After the flowering period, the plant sets seed, which disperses to create new plants, while the parent plant dies back to the ground with the onset of winter. The life cycle can be continued the following spring through new seedlings or by division of the clump during the plant's dormancy in winter.
PropogationPropogation time
Early spring
The New York aster 'Chatterbox' is best propagated by division, which is typically done in the spring. To propagate by division, the gardener should wait until the plant has begun to show new growth, indicating it’s emerging from dormancy. At this time, dig up the entire plant gently, ensuring to preserve as much of the root system as possible. Once excavated, use a sharp spade or knife to slice through the root ball, creating new sections with several shoots and ample roots attached. These divisions can then be replanted in well-draining soil at a similar depth to which they were previously growing. Ensure they are spaced about 18 inches (approximately 45.7 centimeters) apart to allow room for growth. Water in the new divisions thoroughly after planting to help establish them.
