New York Aster Symphyotrichum novi-belgii 'Purple Dome'
ABOUT
The 'Purple Dome' New York aster is a captivating herbaceous plant that stands out with its dazzling show of vivid purple flowers. These blooms are composed of numerous small, petal-like rays circling a central yellow disk, creating a classic daisy-like appearance that's both cheerful and eye-catching. The deep purple petals contrast strikingly with the sunny yellow centers, drawing in both admiring glances and a variety of pollinators. The leaves of the New York aster are a fresh, rich green, with a lance-shaped look that provides an attractive backdrop for the purple blooms. The foliage is dense, creating a lush and full-bodied presence in the garden. This plant typically blooms in the later part of the growing season, adding a splash of color when many other plants are starting to fade. It is prized for its compact, dome-shaped habit that makes it an ideal choice for adding structure and depth to garden beds and borders. Overall, the 'Purple Dome' New York aster is a stunning plant that brings both beauty and vibrancy to any landscape setting.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
New York Aster, Michaelmas Daisy
Common names
Aster novi-belgii 'Purple Dome', Aster novi-belgii var. novi-belgii 'Purple Dome'.
ToxicityTo humans
New York aster 'Purple Dome' is not commonly known to be toxic to humans. While it is generally considered safe, it's always good practice to avoid ingesting parts of ornamental plants due to potential sensitivity or allergic reactions that some individuals might have. If an individual exhibits symptoms after ingesting this plant, they should consult a medical professional.
To pets
New York aster 'Purple Dome' is not typically toxic to pets. It does not contain substances known to cause serious harm to dogs or cats. However, as with any non-food plant, consumption in large amounts could potentially lead to gastrointestinal upset or an allergic reaction in some pets. If a pet exhibits unusual symptoms after consuming this plant, it's advisable to consult a veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Purple
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts pollinators: Symphyotrichum novi-belgii 'Purple Dome', commonly known as New York Aster, provides nectar and pollen for bees and butterflies, supporting local ecosystems.
- Low maintenance: This particular cultivar requires minimal care once established, making it a good choice for gardeners of all levels.
- Drought resistant: After establishment, the plant is quite resilient to periods of drought, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Colorful blooms: With its vibrant purple flowers, the plant adds a splash of color to gardens in the fall when many other plants have finished blooming.
- Cold hardy: It can withstand cold temperatures, making it suitable for a variety of climates and extending its growing season.
- Compact size: 'Purple Dome' has a shorter, more compact growth habit, which prevents it from flopping over and makes it ideal for smaller spaces or borders.
- Disease resistant: This cultivar is typically resistant to common diseases that affect asters, ensuring a healthier and more robust plant.
- Long blooming period: The plant has a long flowering period from late summer to frost, providing extended visual interest in the landscape.
- Versatile: It can be used in various garden designs, including butterfly gardens, perennial beds, and as a part of a fall display.
- Easy to propagate: It can be easily propagated through division, allowing gardeners to spread the beauty to other parts of their garden without additional cost.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Creating natural dyes: The petals of the New York aster can be used to produce a range of purple dyes for fabrics or art projects.
- Educational tool: This plant can be used in schools or educational programs to teach about native plant species and their role in local ecosystems.
- Craft projects: Dried flowers of the New York aster can be incorporated into homemade paper or used in floral arrangements and wreaths.
- Photography subject: Its vibrant colors make it an excellent subject for photographers practicing macro and nature photography.
- Supporting wildlife photography: As it attracts pollinators, it provides opportunities for capturing images of bees, butterflies, and other insects.
- Erosion control: New York aster can be used in landscaping to help control erosion on slopes or riverbanks due to its root system.
- Companion planting: It can benefit vegetable gardens by attracting beneficial insects that can aid in pollination and pest control.
- Livestock food: Although not common, in some areas it can be used as a supplemental forage for livestock like goats and sheep.
- Culinary garnish: The flowers can be used as edible decorations on cakes and desserts, provided they are free of pesticides.
- Seasonal festivals: New York aster is perfect for autumn celebrations, bringing color to decorations and floral displays.
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 New York aster, as Symphyotrichum novi-belgii 'Purple Dome' is commonly known, blooms in late summer to fall, symbolizing the virtue of patience and the idea that good things come to those who wait.
- Elegance: With its royal purple flowers, this plant represents elegance and refinement, often associated with regal presence and beauty.
- Daintiness: The delicate and intricate structure of the aster's flowers gives it a connotation of daintiness and fine detail.
- Love of variety: Asters come in many different colors and varieties, which can symbolize a love of diversity and a wide range of choices or experiences.
- Wisdom: In some traditions, asters are connected to the wisdom that comes with age, perhaps because they bloom late in the season when many other plants have finished flowering.
- Remembrance: Often found in gardens and floral arrangements, asters can be a symbol of remembrance and are sometimes used to honor and remember loved ones.
WaterNew York asters like Symphyotrichum novi-belgii 'Purple Dome' prefer consistently moist soil, especially during their blooming period. Water these perennials deeply once a week, providing about 1 inch of water each time, which is equivalent to approximately 0.623 gallons per square foot. During periods of drought or extreme heat, you might need to water more frequently to maintain soil moisture. Reduce watering in the fall after the plant has bloomed and is preparing for dormancy. It's important to avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot and other issues.
LightNew York asters like Symphyotrichum novi-belgii 'Purple Dome' thrive in full sun conditions, meaning they need at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day. Placing them in a spot with ample sun exposure ensures the best growth and flowering. However, these plants can tolerate light shade, but too much shade can result in fewer flowers and leggier growth.
TemperatureNew York asters like Symphyotrichum novi-belgii 'Purple Dome' perform well in a range of temperatures but ideally flourish in conditions between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. They can tolerate temperatures down to about 20 degrees Fahrenheit during dormancy in winter and can survive summer temperatures well into the 90s, as long as they are adequately watered and mulched.
PruningNew York asters like Symphyotrichum novi-belgii 'Purple Dome' should be pruned to maintain their shape and promote dense, bushy growth. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage continuous blooming throughout the season. In late fall or early spring, cut back the entire plant to a few inches above the ground.
CleaningAs needed
SoilNew York Aster 'Purple Dome' thrives best in a well-draining soil mix that is rich in organic matter. A recipe for the ideal soil mixture might include 60% garden soil, 30% compost, and 10% perlite or sand to improve drainage. The pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, around 6.0 to 7.0, to promote optimal growth and flower production.
RepottingNew York Aster 'Purple Dome' typically does not require frequent repotting and can thrive in the same spot for multiple years. However, if the plant outgrows its current space or the soil becomes depleted, it can be repotted in the spring every 2-3 years.
Humidity & MistingNew York Aster 'Purple Dome' is tolerant of a wide range of humidity conditions and does well in the average outdoor humidity levels found in its growing zones. Excessive humidity is not required for this plant, making it versatile and easy to care for in different environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place New York Aster 'Purple Dome' in bright, indirect light.
Outdoor
Plant New York Aster 'Purple Dome' in full sun, well-drained soil.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleSymphyotrichum novi-belgii 'Purple Dome', commonly known as New York Aster 'Purple Dome', begins its life cycle when its seeds germinate in late winter to early spring, provided they are sown in well-draining soil and with adequate moisture. After germination, seedlings will emerge and grow into rosettes of leaves at the soil surface. Throughout the growing season, these rosettes develop into sturdy, bushy plants with numerous branching stems that reach up to about 2 feet tall. By late summer to fall, the plant produces abundant daisy-like purple flowers with yellow centers, attracting pollinators. After flowering, the plant sets seeds, which can be dispersed by wind or wildlife, contributing to its propagation. The plant then enters a period of dormancy during the winter months, with the above-ground foliage dying back, while the root system remains alive to regenerate the next spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Late summer to early fall
New York Aster 'Purple Dome' is commonly propagated through division, ideally during the cooler parts of the growing season, like spring or early fall. This technique involves gently separating an established plant's root ball into smaller sections, ensuring that each new section has a portion of the root system and some of the above-ground foliage. After making the divisions, plant them immediately in well-prepared soil, ensuring they have adequate water to establish in their new location. With proper care, these divisions will grow into strong, independent plants that mirror the characteristics of the parent plant. Division not only creates new plants but also invigorates the older plants, encouraging more vigorous growth and flowering.
