New England Aster Symphyotrichum novae-angliae 'Andenken an Alma Pötschke'
ABOUT
The Symphyotrichum novae-angliae 'Andenken an Alma Pötschke', commonly known as the New England aster, is a vibrant and showy perennial that is widely appreciated for its profusion of flowers and overall striking appearance. Despite the omission of specific size attributes, it's important to note that this cultivar makes a noticeable impact wherever it is grown. This aster boasts a bushy and robust habit, densely packed with lance-shaped, deep green leaves that create a lush backdrop for its standout feature: the flowers. During its blooming season, which typically occurs in late summer through fall, the New England aster 'Andenken an Alma Pötschke' becomes a riot of color. The flowers themselves are daisy-like in shape, with numerous delicate petals radiating from a central disk. Each petal has a vibrant and deep pink to magenta hue that can add a pop of intense color to any garden. The central disk of the flowers is typically a contrasting yellow or golden color, which can attract a variety of pollinators to the plant. The overall effect of the plant's abundant flowering is stunning, as it can become a focal point in the landscape, drawing the eye with its rich coloration. Its popularity is not only due to its visual appeal but also because it is a hardy plant that can adapt to various garden conditions. In summary, the New England aster 'Andenken an Alma Pötschke' is a beautifully bold cultivar, festooned with striking pink-magenta flowers, creating a showy display that adds vibrancy and life to the autumn garden. With its full appearance and profusion of eye-catching blooms, it is a favorite among gardeners looking to inject a splash of late-season color into their outdoor spaces.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
New England Aster, Alma Pötschke Aster
Common names
Aster novae-angliae 'Andenken an Alma Pötschke'.
ToxicityTo humans
The New England Aster is not considered toxic to humans. Ingesting any part of the plant typically does not lead to poisoning or cause serious harm.
To pets
The New England Aster is also considered non-toxic to pets. It is not known to cause serious illness or poisoning if pets ingest parts of the plant.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
3-4 feet (0.91-1.22 meters)
Spread
1-3 feet (0.30-0.91 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3-8
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators - Symphyotrichum novae-angliae 'Andenken an Alma Pötschke', commonly known as New England Aster, invites bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, supporting local ecosystems.
- Low Maintenance - New England Aster is generally easy to care for and requires minimal upkeep once established in appropriate conditions.
- Autumn Color - Provides vibrant late-season blooms when many other plants begin to fade, adding aesthetic value to gardens with its bright pink and purple flowers.
- Drought Tolerance - Once established, it has good resistance to short periods of drought, making it suitable for xeriscaping and water-wise gardens.
- Wildlife Habitat - Offers shelter and food for wildlife, particularly as a nectar source for migrating butterflies and a host plant for their larvae.
- Naturalizing - Readily self-seeds under suitable conditions, allowing for natural expansion and creating a more relaxed and informal garden aesthetic.
- Cold Hardy - Capable of withstanding cold temperatures, making it suitable for growing in a wide range of climates and extending the garden’s blooming season.
- Erosion Control - Its root system can help prevent soil erosion, making it a practical choice for slopes and banks.
- Cut Flowers - The blooms make excellent cut flowers, bringing the beauty of autumn indoors and suitable for floral arrangements.
- Companion Planting - Pairs well with other fall-blooming perennials and grasses, providing a complementary color and texture in garden designs.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Natural Dyes: The flowers of the New England aster can produce natural dyes in shades of pink, blue, and purple, suitable for coloring fabrics or artworks.
- Insect Habitat: The dense foliage provides a haven for beneficial insects, like ladybugs and lacewings, which use it as a home or hunting ground.
- Educational Tool: The plant's growth cycle and response to pollinators can be used in educational settings to teach students about plant biology and ecology.
- Artistic Inspiration: With its vibrant flowers, New England aster can be a muse for artists, serving as a subject for paintings, photography, and other creative projects.
- Composting Material: Once the plant has completed its lifecycle, it can be added to a compost pile to break down and enrich soil with organic matter.
- Erosion Control: Its extensive root system can help stabilize soil and control erosion in gardens or restoration projects.
- Photography: The striking blossoms attract photographers aiming to capture the essence of fall landscapes or the intricacies of floral structures.
- Garden Design: Used in moon gardens, the light-colored varieties of New England aster can reflect moonlight and create a luminous garden effect at night.
- Landscape Painting: The bright and vivid hue of the flowers can be crushed to create a natural pigment for landscape paintings.
- Seasonal Festivities: Its flowers can be used in fall decorations or floral arrangements for events and festivals celebrating the autumn season.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe New England Aster is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe New England Aster is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Perseverance: Symphyotrichum novae-angliae, commonly known as the New England aster, often symbolizes perseverance because of its ability to thrive and bloom as summer transitions into autumn.
- Patience: The New England aster blossoms in the late growing season, representing patience in waiting for its beautiful blooms to appear.
- Elegance: With its vibrant and bold colors, the New England aster is also often associated with elegance and can represent a person's appreciation for the refined and beautiful.
- Remembrance: The variety 'Andenken an Alma Pötschke' translates to "memory of Alma Pötschke," suggesting that this plant could be used to honor and remember a loved one.
- Dainty beauty: Despite its hardy nature, the delicate petals of the New England aster can symbolize dainty beauty and the more subtle aspects of strength.
WaterNew England Aster, commonly known as Symphyotrichum novae-angliae 'Andenken an Alma Pötschke', should be watered deeply and the soil allowed to dry slightly between waterings. It's best to water this plant once or twice a week, providing about 1 gallon per watering for established plants, depending on weather conditions; less frequent watering promotes deep root growth. Newly planted asters may require water more frequently, as their root systems develop. Avoid overhead watering to minimize the risk of fungal diseases and aim to water at the base of the plant.
LightNew England Aster thrives in full sun, which means it requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. The best spot for this aster is in an area where it can soak up the morning sunshine and continue to receive light into the afternoon. It can tolerate partial shade, but blooming may be diminished in less than ideal sunlight.
TemperatureNew England Asters are hardy in a range of temperatures and can survive winter lows down to -20°F. They grow best in temperatures between 60°F and 75°F, which encourages healthy growth and optimal blooming. They can handle summer highs up to about 85°F without issues, but they should be provided with adequate water during hotter periods.
PruningPruning New England Asters is important for maintaining the plant's shape and promoting vigorous growth. It's best to prune them in early spring or after the first light frost in the fall. Cut back the stems to about 4 inches above the ground after blooming to encourage a tidy appearance and prevent self-sowing, if desired. Deadheading during the blooming season will also encourage more flowers.
CleaningAs needed
SoilNew England Aster prefers well-drained soil rich in organic matter with a pH range of 6.0 to 8.0. A mixture of garden soil, compost, and perlite can provide the nutrients and drainage this plant thrives on.
RepottingNew England Aster doesn't typically require repotting as it is a perennial that's planted outdoors; it spreads by rhizomes and self-seeding rather than being container-grown.
Humidity & MistingNew England Aster tolerates a wide range of humidity levels and thrives in outdoor conditions where humidity is not controlled, best mimicking its natural habitat.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright light, cool nights, and well-drained soil.
Outdoor
Full sun, moist soil, and space for spreading.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleSymphyotrichum novae-angliae 'Andenken an Alma Pötschke', commonly known as New England Aster 'Alma Pötschke', begins its cycle when seeds are sown in spring or late fall, germinating at a temperature around 70°F (21°C). Seedlings emerge and establish a rosette of leaves during the first year, with growth accelerating as temperatures rise. In the second year, the plant enters its vegetative phase, where stems elongate and leaves mature in preparation for flowering. Flowering occurs in late summer to fall, with vibrant pink to magenta blossoms attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies. After pollination, seeds develop and are dispersed by wind or wildlife, completing the reproductive stage. Finally, the plant dies back to the ground after frost, with roots or basal leaves overwintering to begin the cycle anew the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Late Summer to Early Autumn
Propogation: The New England Aster 'Andenken an Alma Pötschke' is typically propagated by division, which is best done in the spring. This popular method involves carefully lifting the plant from the ground with a spade, ensuring a generous amount of roots and soil are attached. The clumps should then be divided into smaller sections, each with its own set of roots and shoots. These sections can be immediately replanted into well-prepared soil, spaced about 18 inches (approximately 46 centimeters) apart to allow for growth and air circulation. Water the new divisions thoroughly after planting to help establish them. This method of propagation not only helps to multiply your plants but also rejuvenates older clumps that might have become woody or have a dead center.
