New York Aster Symphyotrichum novi-belgii 'Jenny'
ABOUT
The 'Jenny' variety of the New York aster is known for its striking appearance, characterized by its magnificent flowers and bushy growth. This perennial plant boasts a profusion of blooms that capture the attention of any onlooker. Each flower displays a prominent central disc, often yellow in color, which is surrounded by slender, ray-like petals that can range from a deep purplish-pink to a rich mauve, adding a splash of color to the garden landscape. The petals are arranged in a daisy-like fashion, giving the plant a classic and charming appearance. The foliage of the New York aster 'Jenny' is also noteworthy, with leaves that are typically lance-shaped, sporting a deep green hue that provides a beautiful contrast to the brightness of the flowers. Throughout its blooming period, the New York aster 'Jenny' becomes a hub of activity for pollinators such as bees and butterflies, drawn to its nectar and pollen-rich flowers. The plant's overall form is robust and full, contributing to its presence as a standout specimen in beds, borders, and wildflower gardens where it contributes a vibrant burst of late-season color.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
New York Aster, Michaelmas Daisy
Common names
Aster novi-belgii 'Jenny', Aster lancifolius 'Jenny', Aster versicolor 'Jenny', Symphyotrichum lanceolatum 'Jenny'.
ToxicityTo humans
The plant known as the New York aster is not typically considered toxic to humans. There are no well-documented cases of poisoning from ingesting this plant. Therefore, ingestion of New York aster is unlikely to result in any significant toxic effects.
To pets
The New York aster is generally not considered toxic to pets such as dogs and cats. There is no significant evidence that ingestion of this plant causes adverse health effects or symptoms of poisoning in pets. However, as with any non-food plant, ingestion could potentially cause mild gastrointestinal upset.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
3 feet (91 cm)
Spread
2 feet (61 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Symphyotrichum novi-belgii 'Jenny', commonly known as New York Aster 'Jenny', adds a vibrant splash of color to gardens with its lovely purple flowers.
- Attracts Pollinators: The plant is known to attract butterflies and bees, which are important for pollination in the garden ecosystem.
- Seasonal Interest: Blooming in the fall, it provides late-season floral interest when many other plants are fading.
- Easy to Grow: It is generally easy to care for and can thrive in a variety of soil types with proper sunlight and water.
- Durable: The New York Aster 'Jenny' is known for being hardy and able to withstand colder temperatures, making it suitable for many climates.
- Wildlife Habitat: The dense foliage provides shelter for small wildlife and beneficial insects.
- Versatile in Landscaping: It can be used in borders, rock gardens, or as a part of wildflower meadows.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, the plant requires minimal upkeep beyond occasional watering and deadheading.
- Can Be Propagated: Gardeners can propagate New York Aster 'Jenny' to spread the plant throughout the garden or to share with others.
- Cutting Garden Addition: Flowers are suitable for cutting and can be used in floral arrangements, enhancing their value.
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, commonly known as New York aster, can be used as a natural fabric dye, yielding colors that may range from muted greens to soft yellows depending on the mordant used.
- Insectary plantings: New York aster can attract and support beneficial insects like predatory wasps and hoverflies, which in turn can help reduce pest populations in gardens.
- Photography: With its vibrant blooms, New York aster is often used as a subject or backdrop in garden photography and botanical art.
- Creative crafts: The dried flowers of New York aster can be used in floral arrangements, wreaths, and other dry craft projects to provide color and texture.
- Educational tool: New York aster can be used in schools and educational programs to teach students about plant biology and pollination through hands-on experiences.
- Companion planting: When planted alongside vegetables, New York aster may help attract pollinators, potentially increasing the yield of crops like tomatoes and peppers.
- Culinary decoration: The petals of New York aster can be used to add a splash of color to salads or as an edible garnish on gourmet dishes.
- Bioindicator: New York aster may serve as a bioindicator plant, helping gardeners recognize soil or moisture conditions based on the plant's health and bloom patterns.
- Erosion control: New York aster can be used in landscaping to stabilize soil and prevent erosion due to its fibrous root system.
- Spiritual and cultural ceremonies: In some cultures, New York aster may be utilized in ceremonies or traditional practices for its symbolic meanings, such as patience or remembrance.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Michaelmas Daisy is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Michaelmas Daisy is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- New Beginnings: Symphyotrichum novi-belgii, commonly known as New York aster 'Jenny,' often symbolizes new beginnings due to its growth late in the season, representing a fresh start or a new chapter.
- Patience: This plant blooms in the fall, showing that patience can lead to beautiful outcomes, reminding us that anticipation can be rewarding.
- Elegance: The delicate and vibrant flowers of the New York aster 'Jenny' are often associated with elegance and sophistication, making them a popular choice in gardens for their aesthetic appeal.
- Cherishing the Moment: As asters often flower when many other plants are nearing the end of their bloom period, they symbolize the importance of cherishing the moment and enjoying the present.
- Wisdom: Asters are also connected to the symbol of wisdom, potentially because of their late bloom in the year, suggesting the idea of maturity and advanced knowledge.
WaterNew York asters like Symphyotrichum novi-belgii 'Jenny' prefer consistent moisture, especially during their blooming period. Water these plants deeply once a week, providing about 1 inch of water which is equivalent to about 0.6 gallons per square yard. During hot or dry spells, increase watering frequency to prevent the soil from drying out completely, but always allow the soil to dry slightly between watering sessions to avoid waterlogging. Overhead watering can lead to mildew issues, so it's best to use a soaker hose or water at the base of the plant.
LightNew York asters need full sun to thrive, which means they require at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day. Planting Symphyotrichum novi-belgii 'Jenny' in a spot that gets uninterrupted sun throughout the day will encourage the best flowering. These asters can tolerate some light shade, especially in the hotter parts of the afternoon, but too much shade will result in fewer blooms and a leggier plant.
TemperatureNew York asters are hardy and can survive in a range of temperatures. Symphyotrichum novi-belgii 'Jenny' can tolerate minimum temperatures down to about 20°F but prefers the growing season to be within the range of 60°F to 75°F. The ideal temperature range encourages vigorous growth and optimal flowering. However, they can withstand summer highs up to 90°F, especially if they receive adequate moisture.
PruningPruning New York asters, such as Symphyotrichum novi-belgii 'Jenny', is vital for maintaining plant health and encouraging a bushy growth habit. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to promote continuous blooming. In the spring or early summer, pinch back the tips to encourage branching, which results in more flowers. After the first hard frost, prune the plant back to just a few inches above the ground to prepare for winter.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe New York aster 'Jenny' prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. A best soil mix for 'Jenny' would be a combination of loamy garden soil, peat, and coarse sand or perlite for drainage. The ideal pH for this plant ranges between 5.8 and 6.8, maintaining a slightly acidic to neutral soil environment.
RepottingNew York asters like 'Jenny' generally do not require frequent repotting and can be left undisturbed for several years. Repot only when the plant has outgrown its current container, typically every 2-3 years, to refresh the soil and provide more space for root growth.
Humidity & MistingNew York aster 'Jenny' is adaptable to a range of humidity levels but thrives best with moderate ambient humidity. It does not require specific humidity conditions, but avoid extremely dry air which can lead to leaf desiccation.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright indirect light and keep soil evenly moist.
Outdoor
Full sun to partial shade, consistent moisture, protect from strong winds.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleSymphyotrichum novi-belgii 'Jenny', commonly known as New York Aster 'Jenny', begins its life as a seed that germinates in late winter to early spring. Once the seedling emerges, it develops into a rosette of leaves at ground level. As temperatures rise, the plant enters a vegetative stage, producing a sturdy stem and more leaves to capture sunlight and support photosynthesis. Over the summer, it continues to grow and will begin to form flower buds as the days shorten towards the end of summer. In early to mid-autumn, the plant blooms, displaying numerous daisy-like flowers that attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies. After flowering, the plant sets seeds which disperse to begin the life cycle anew, while the parent plant dies back with the onset of winter and is typically perennial, regrowinging from the root system in subsequent years.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to early summer
Propogation: The most popular method of propagating the New York Aster 'Jenny' is through division. This is typically done in the early spring or fall when the plant is not in active growth. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the plant and gently separate the root ball into smaller sections, each with a good portion of roots and shoots. These divisions can then be immediately replanted into well-prepared soil, maintaining the same planting depth as the original plant. Water the new plants thoroughly to help establish them. This simple technique allows gardeners to quickly multiply their stock of New York Asters and ensure the health and vigor of their plants by rejuvenating older, crowded clumps.
