New York Aster Symphyotrichum novi-belgii 'Lady in Blue'
ABOUT
The 'Lady in Blue' is a captivating variety known for its graceful floral display. It features a profusion of dainty, semi-double blossoms that radiate an enchanting light blue hue. The flowers have a classic daisy-like form with a central disc surrounded by slender petals which often present a slightly paler shade at their tips, enhancing the delicate look of each bloom. These charming flowers are clustered atop sturdy stems that are clothed in lance-shaped leaves. The foliage, a lush green, provides a beautiful contrast to the soft blue of the flowers. This plant is a highlight in any garden when it bursts into bloom, creating a soothing sea of blue that attracts butterflies and other pollinators. Its verdant foliage stays fresh and appealing throughout the growing season, making it not only a joy when in flower but also a reliable source of greenery.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
New York Aster, Lady in Blue Aster, Michaelmas Daisy.
Common names
Aster novi-belgii 'Lady in Blue', Symphyotrichum lanceolatum ssp. novi-belgii 'Lady in Blue', Aster lanceolatus var. novi-belgii 'Lady in Blue'.
ToxicityTo humans
The New York aster is generally considered non-toxic to humans. There are no significant symptoms of poisoning associated with the ingestion of this plant, as it is not known to contain any toxic substances that could harm humans.
To pets
The New York aster is also generally recognized as non-toxic to pets, including cats and dogs. It does not contain harmful substances that can lead to poisoning, making it safe in a household with pets. If ingested by pets, there should be no significant adverse effects or symptoms of toxicity from this plant.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Blue
Height
1-3 feet [30-90 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 blue-violet flowers to gardens providing a pleasing visual display.
- Attracts Wildlife: Invites beneficial insects like bees and butterflies for pollination.
- Easy to Grow: Known for being hardy and low maintenance, suitable for a wide range of climates.
- Extended Blooming: Offers long-lasting blooms from late summer into fall.
- Versatility in Landscape: Suitable for borders, wildflower gardens, and container gardening.
- Erosion Control: Helps in stabilizing soil in areas prone to erosion.
- Companion Planting: Pairs well with other late-season bloomers for a succession of color.
- Cut Flowers: The blooms are great for cutting and adding to bouquets.
- Wildlife Refuge: Provides cover for small wildlife, creating a mini-habitat in the garden.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it can tolerate periods of dryness.
- Naturalizing: Can spread and naturalize in an area, creating a wildflower meadow effect.
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 'Lady in Blue', also known as the New York aster, can be used as a natural fabric dye, imparting a range of colors from blues to purples depending on the mordant used.
- The petals of the New York aster can be used in crafting, particularly in pressed flower art, to create elaborate designs with their distinctive blue hue.
- Fine dining establishments may use the vibrant flowers of the New York aster as edible garnishes on desserts or salads for a touch of elegance.
- The plant can be employed in the practice of companion planting to help attract beneficial insects like bees and butterflies, which can enhance pollination in gardens.
- New York aster is often used in landscape design to create a 'river' of blue when planted en masse, offering a dramatic visual effect in garden settings.
- The dried stems and flowers of the New York aster can be used in the creation of eco-friendly confetti, as a biodegradable alternative to traditional paper or plastic.
- Schools and educators might use the New York aster for botanical studies, where students can learn about plant structure, growth, and the characteristics of aster family.
- New York aster's vibrant flowers can be used to make natural inks for painting, providing a source of inspiration for artists interested in organic materials.
- As a natural indicator plant, the New York aster can help gardeners determine the health of the ecosystem based on its blooming pattern and the presence of pollinators.
- The New York aster can serve as a symbol in cultural events or festivals that celebrate the autumn season when the plant typically blooms.
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- Patience: The Symphyotrichum novi-belgii, commonly known as the New York aster, typically blooms in the late summer or fall. Its late flowering time symbolizes patience and the anticipation of beauty.
- Elegance: The 'Lady in Blue' cultivar, with its delicate blue petals, is often associated with grace and elegance, underlining the refined beauty of the plant.
- Perseverance: Asters are hardy plants that can tolerate a range of conditions, which can symbolize perseverance and the ability to thrive in challenging environments.
- Love: Asters, in historical floriography, have been linked to love and the feelings that come with new relationships, capturing the essence of deep affection.
- Memory: In some traditions, asters are seen as symbols of remembrance. The name itself is derived from the Greek word for "star," referencing the shape of the flower and its role in remembering past joys.
- Wisdom: Given their late bloom, they are sometimes associated with wisdom that comes with experience and the passage of time.
WaterNew York Aster, 'Lady in Blue', should be watered regularly to keep the soil consistently moist, but not soggy. During active growth in the spring and summer, watering may be needed once or twice a week, depending on the weather conditions. Make sure to water deeply, allowing the water to reach the root zone; this could mean using about 1 gallon of water per plant for each watering session. Reduce the frequency of watering in the fall as the plant goes dormant, and during winter, water sparingly, only to prevent the soil from completely drying out.
LightNew York Aster thrives in full sun conditions where it can receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. The best spot for 'Lady in Blue' is in an open area that is unobstructed by trees or buildings, ensuring ample light throughout the day for optimum blooming.
TemperatureThe New York Aster 'Lady in Blue' prefers temperate climates with temperatures ranging from 50 to 75°F. It can tolerate a minimum temperature down to 20°F but is not frost-tolerant and should be protected from extreme cold. Ideal growing conditions involve keeping the plant in an environment that doesn't frequently dip below the freezing point.
PruningPruning New York Asters like 'Lady in Blue' is essential for maintaining a bushy and vigorous plant. Deadhead spent blooms regularly to encourage continued flowering and cut back the plant by one-third in early summer to promote a denser growth habit. The best time for major pruning is in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins.
CleaningAs needed
SoilNew York Aster 'Lady in Blue' thrives in well-draining soil enriched with organic matter, such as compost or well-rotted manure, maintaining a slightly acidic to neutral pH of 6.0 to 7.0.
RepottingNew York Aster 'Lady in Blue' should be repotted every 2-3 years to refresh the soil and accommodate root growth, usually in the early spring before new growth begins.
Humidity & MistingNew York Aster 'Lady in Blue' prefers moderate humidity levels but is quite adaptable to the ambient outdoor humidity in most growing regions.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright indirect light and well-draining soil.
Outdoor
Plant in partial sun, ensure moist, rich soil.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleThe New York Aster 'Lady in Blue' begins its life cycle with seed germination, typically occurring in spring when temperatures are suitable for growth. The seedlings emerge and form a rosette of leaves at the soil surface as they enter the vegetative stage, growing and developing a root system to absorb nutrients. During the growing season, the plant elongates and produces stems, leaves, and eventually flower buds. Flowering occurs in late summer to fall when the plant displays numerous small, blue-purple flowers with yellow centers, attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies. After pollination, the flowers develop into seed heads which release seeds for the next generation. Finally, as winter approaches, the plant enters dormancy, with above-ground parts dying back and the plant surviving as dormant rootstock or seeds until the next growing season.
PropogationPropogation time
Early Spring
The New York aster 'Lady in Blue' is typically propagated by division, as this is the most popular and reliable method for this perennial plant. The ideal time to propagate by division is in early spring or fall when the plant is not in active growth. To propagate New York aster 'Lady in Blue' by division, you should carefully dig up the plant and gently separate it into smaller clumps, ensuring that each clump has at least one shoot and a portion of the root system. These individual clumps can then be immediately replanted in well-prepared soil at the same depth they were growing previously. Water the new divisions thoroughly after planting to help establish them. This process not only creates new plants but also revitalizes the parent plant by reducing its size and stimulating new growth.
