New York Aster Symphyotrichum novi-belgii Tonga = 'Dasfour' (Island Series)
ABOUT
The plant commonly known as New York aster 'Tonga' from the Island Series showcases a dazzling display of radiant flowers that are characterized by their eye-catching color. The blooms are typically a shade of vibrant pink, which often has a plush, almost inviting appearance. Each flower is composed of multiple slender petals radiating around a yellow to yellowish-orange center, which gives the plant a daisy-like resemblance, a feature that is enjoyed by many garden enthusiasts. The foliage of the New York aster 'Tonga' presents a lush green backdrop for the stunning flowers. The leaves are lance-shaped with a smooth or slightly toothed margin, and they clasp the stem at the base. This dense leaf arrangement provides a full and healthy look to the plant, adding to its ornamental appeal. With an overall bushy and robust growing habit, this variety of New York aster forms a clumping mound that becomes a focal point in any garden setting when in full bloom. Due to its distinctive and charming appearance, it is a popular choice among gardeners who wish to add a splash of color to their autumn landscapes. The New York aster 'Tonga' also attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies, making it not only a visual delight but also a beneficial addition to the local ecosystem.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
New York Aster, Michaelmas Daisy
Common names
Symphyotrichum novi-belgii Tonga = 'Dasfour' (Island Series).
ToxicityTo humans
The New York aster (Symphyotrichum novi-belgii) is generally not considered toxic to humans. There are no well-documented cases of poisoning or serious side effects from ingesting the plant. However, as with many plants, individual sensitivities can vary, and it's usually advisable not to consume any part of ornamental plants due to potential for allergic reactions or unknown toxins.
To pets
The New York aster (Symphyotrichum novi-belgii) is also not known to be toxic to pets. It is generally considered safe around animals, with no significant reports of toxic effects from ingestion. Nonetheless, pet owners should always monitor their animals and prevent them from eating large quantities of any non-food plants, as they could potentially cause gastrointestinal upset simply due to the ingestion of non-digestible matter.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
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- Enhances Biodiversity: Attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies, which are essential for the pollination of many plants.
- Aesthetic Appeal: Adds vibrant colors and textures to gardens with its prolific flowering.
- Easy Maintenance: Generally resistant to pests and diseases, making it an easy plant to care for.
- Long Blooming Period: Offers an extended blooming season, providing garden interest from late summer to frost.
- Wildlife Habitat: Provides shelter and food resources for various species of wildlife.
- Adaptability: Can thrive in a wide range of climates and soil types, proving to be a versatile garden choice.
- Naturalization: Capable of spreading and creating natural-looking landscapes without excessive human intervention.
- Cut Flowers: Suitable for cutting and use in floral arrangements due to their long stems and lasting blooms.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Education: New York asters like 'Dasfour' can be used in educational settings such as schools and nature centers to teach about native plant gardening and biodiversity conservation.
- Art and Craft: The vibrant flowers can be pressed and preserved, then used in art projects like making bookmarks or framing them for a natural and decorative touch.
- Natural Dye: Petals of the New York aster can be used to create natural dyes for fabrics, offering a range of colors from pinks to purples depending on the mordant used.
- Photography: With its attractive blooms, professionals and hobbyists alike may use these plants as subjects for photography, capturing the essence of the fall blooming season.
- Garden Companionship: Planting New York asters alongside vegetables can potentially attract pollinators which benefits the yield of crops like tomatoes and peppers.
- Floral Arrangements: These flowers can be used in fresh or dried floral arrangements, adding color to bouquets or providing materials for wreath-making and other decorative crafts.
- Culinary Garnish: While not a traditional use, the colorful petals could be used as an edible garnish for salads or desserts, adding a distinctive flair to dishes.
- Special Events: New York asters can be planted or arranged for special events and ceremonies to add natural beauty and thematic color, such as in wedding or celebration decor.
- Wildlife Shelter: Dense clumps of these asters can provide shelter and nesting sites for small wildlife, promoting a healthy ecosystem in one's garden.
- Soil Erosion Control: When planted en masse, New York asters can help stabilize soil and prevent erosion, especially in sloped areas of a garden or landscape.
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- Peace: Similar to other asters, the Symphyotrichum novi-belgii or New York aster often symbolizes peace due to its delicate and orderly appearance.
- Patience: The New York aster blooms in late summer and autumn, representing patience as it waits to reveal its beauty toward the end of the growing season.
- Elegance: With its vivid and graceful flowers, the New York aster conveys a sense of refinement and elegance.
- Wisdom: Asters are frequently associated with wisdom, as their star-like shape can represent knowledge that has been spread out and shared.
- New Beginnings: Often used in bouquets for special occasions, the New York aster can symbolize new ventures or the start of a significant journey due to its association with the changing seasons.
WaterThe New York aster should be watered deeply whenever the top inch of the soil feels dry to the touch, which typically translates to once or twice a week during active growth in spring and summer. During periods of hot and dry weather, supplemental watering may be necessary to maintain a consistent level of soil moisture, while in cooler seasons, the watering frequency should be reduced. It's best to avoid overhead watering to prevent disease, instead aiming to water directly at the base of the plant. For container-grown asters, a general guideline is to provide about half a gallon of water per plant during each watering session, ensuring that the soil is moist but not waterlogged.
LightNew York asters prefer full sun to part shade conditions, thriving best when they receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. A spot that offers morning sunlight and some afternoon shade is ideal, especially in regions with very hot summers. Avoid heavily shaded areas as this can lead to poor blooming and a leggy growth habit.
TemperatureNew York asters are hardy in a wide range of temperatures but perform best in conditions between 60°F and 75°F. They can tolerate minimum temperatures down to about 20°F, making them suitable for many temperate climates. Maximum temperatures should not consistently exceed 85°F, as extreme heat can stress the plants and affect flowering.
PruningPrune New York asters to encourage a bushier growth habit and to promote more vigorous blooming. Pinch back the tips of the growth in spring and early summer. Cut back the entire plant by one-third after the first flush of flowers has finished to stimulate a second bloom. Pruning should be done before buds begin to form for optimal plant health and bloom quality.
CleaningAs needed
SoilNew York aster 'Tonga' prefers well-draining, fertile soil with a pH between 5.8 and 6.5. Amend with compost or peat moss to improve soil structure and nutrient content, ensuring optimal growth and flowering.
RepottingNew York aster 'Tonga' typically doesn't require frequent repotting; do so every 2-3 years or when the plant outgrows its container.
Humidity & MistingNew York aster 'Tonga' thrives in moderate humidity conditions; it doesn't require high humidity environments and can tolerate the average humidity levels found outdoors.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright indirect light, keep soil moist.
Outdoor
Full sun to part shade, well-draining soil, regular water.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleSymphyotrichum novi-belgii, commonly known as the New York aster 'Tonga', begins its life as a seed which germinates in spring when temperatures and soil conditions permit. The seed develops into a seedling with its initial pair of true leaves, initiating the vegetative growth phase, during which the plant increases in size and produces more leaves. As the plant matures throughout the summer, it develops a strong root system and leafy stems in preparation for flowering. In late summer to fall, the 'Tonga' aster enters its reproductive phase, characterized by the production of daisy-like purple flowers attractive to bees and butterflies. After pollination, the flowers develop into dry fruits called achenes, each containing a seed ready to be dispersed by wind or wildlife. With the arrival of winter, the above-ground part of the plant dies back, while the roots may survive to regrow the following spring, or the plant may rely on seed dispersal for propagation, completing its annual cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to early summer
The preferred method for propagating Symphyotrichum novi-belgii 'Tonga', commonly known as the New York aster, is through division. This process typically takes place during the plant's dormancy period in early spring or late fall. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the plant and gently separate it into smaller sections, making sure that each section has a portion of the root system. These divisions can then be immediately replanted in well-prepared soil, spaced about 18 inches (approximately 45 centimeters) apart to allow room for growth. Water the new plantings thoroughly to help establish them. This method is favored for its simplicity and effectiveness in producing new, healthy clones of the parent plant.
