New England Aster Symphyotrichum novae-angliae 'Barr's Pink'
ABOUT
The New England aster 'Barr's Pink' boasts a stunning floral display with a soft, romantic pink hue. The plant is adorned with numerous daisy-like flowers that provide a vibrant pop of color. Each blossom is characterized by a multitude of delicate, narrow petals radiating around a central yellow disc, creating a charming contrast against the soft pink petals. The foliage is lush and dense, comprised of lance-shaped leaves that cling to the sturdy stems, providing a verdant backdrop for the prolific flowers. The leaves are typically green, with a slightly rough texture, and they may show a hint of a serrated edge. This aster variety exudes a wildflower charm while maintaining a refined appearance, making it a favorite for gardeners who wish to add a touch of natural beauty to their landscapes. It is particularly striking when in full bloom, often swarming with pollinators like bees and butterflies that are drawn to its vivid colors and rich nectar. This plant's welcoming pink blossoms not only enhance garden aesthetics but also contribute to supporting local ecosystems by providing a vital source of nourishment for these important insects.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
New England Aster, Michaelmas Daisy, Hairy Michaelmas Daisy, Barr's Pink New England Aster
Common names
Aster novae-angliae 'Barr's Pink', Aster novae-angliae var. roseus.
ToxicityTo humans
New England Aster typically poses no significant toxic threat to humans. It is not generally considered poisonous and adverse reactions from ingestion are unusual. However, as with any plant, individual allergies or sensitivities can occur, so it is always wise to exercise caution and refrain from ingesting parts of the plant unnecessarily.
To pets
New England Aster is not known to be toxic to pets. It is generally considered non-toxic to dogs, cats, and other animals. While ingestion might cause mild gastrointestinal upset due to the plant material itself, there is no widespread evidence of poisoning or serious health risks associated with this plant in pets. As always, monitoring your pets and preventing them from eating large amounts of any non-food plant is a good practice to avoid potential digestive issues.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
3-6 feet [91-183 cm]
Spread
2-4 feet [61-122 cm]
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4-8
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts pollinators: Provides nectar and pollen for bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, thus supporting local ecosystems.
- Aesthetic appeal: Adds vibrant pink blooms to gardens, creating visual interest and beauty throughout late summer and fall.
- Drought tolerance: Once established, requires minimal watering, making it suitable for xeriscaping and low-water-use gardens.
- Cold hardiness: Can survive and thrive in cooler climates, which makes it a valuable addition to northern gardens.
- Wildlife habitat: Offers seeds that can serve as a food source for birds in the winter, enhancing local biodiversity.
- Low maintenance: Requires little care beyond initial planting, making it a convenient choice for busy or novice gardeners.
- Long blooming period: Flowers from late summer into the fall, providing color and interest in the garden for an extended period.
- Erosion control: Its root system helps to stabilize soil and prevent erosion, especially on slopes or in areas with loose soil.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Artistic inspiration for painters and photographers: The showy, pink blooms of the New England aster make it an aesthetically appealing subject for visual artists.
- Dye production: Historically, various parts of plants have been used to create dyes, and the New England aster might be experimented with for its pigment.
- Educational tool: Botanic gardens and educational institutions may use the New England aster to teach about native plant species and pollinator-friendly gardening.
- Floral arrangements: Both fresh and dried, the flowers of the New England aster are often included in bouquets and decorative arrangements.
- Photographic subjects for bee and butterfly documentation: The flowers' attractiveness to pollinators makes them ideal for photographers documenting these insects.
- Seasonal celebrations: The plant's bloom period coincides with autumnal events and could be featured in seasonal decor.
- Companion planting: New England aster can be used in gardens to attract beneficial insects that support the health of surrounding plants.
- Biodegradable confetti: Dried flower petals of the New England aster could be used as an eco-friendly confetti alternative in celebrations.
- Craft projects: The flowers and stems of the New England aster can be used in various craft projects, including wreath making and pressed flower art.
- Culinary decoration: While not typically eaten, the flowers could be used as edible decorations on cakes and pastries if grown organically.
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- Devotion and Love: As a variety of the New England aster, 'Barr's Pink' traditionally symbolizes devotion and love, reflecting the deep and lasting affection one person can feel for another.
- Persistence: The hardiness and persistence of the New England aster in tough climates and conditions can represent a person's determination and ability to endure challenges.
- Elegance: The elegant pink petals of the 'Barr's Pink' variety convey a sense of refinement and grace, often associated with quieter forms of beauty.
- Wisdom: Asters have been linked with wisdom due to their late bloom, signifying the accumulation of knowledge over time.
- New Beginnings: Blooming in the fall, asters are indicative of new beginnings as they mark the transition from one season to the next, symbolizing hope and rejuvenation.
WaterFor New England Aster 'Barr's Pink', water the plant deeply once a week, providing about 1 to 1.5 inches of water each time. During periods of drought or extreme heat, increase the frequency to twice a week. Ensure that the soil is moist but not waterlogged. It's better to water early in the morning to allow leaves to dry out during the day, and it’s also crucial to water at the base of the plant to prevent fungal diseases.
LightNew England Aster 'Barr's Pink' thrives best in full sun to partial shade. The ideal location would receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily, while still being protected from the harsh afternoon sun in extremely hot climates.
TemperatureNew England Aster 'Barr's Pink' can tolerate a temperature range from 20°F to 85°F. However, it grows best at moderate temperatures between 60°F and 75°F. It is a hardy plant that can survive frost and slightly higher temperatures, as long as the heat is not prolonged.
PruningPrune New England Aster 'Barr's Pink' in late fall or early spring to maintain its shape and promote healthy growth. Remove any dead or damaged stems and cut the plant back by one-third. Deadheading spent flowers during the blooming season will encourage more blooms. The best time to prune is after the last frost in spring or when the plant has died back in fall.
CleaningAs needed
SoilNew England Aster 'Barr's Pink' thrives in well-draining soil enriched with organic matter, a pH of 6.0 to 8.0 is ideal. A mix of garden soil, compost, and a bit of sand or perlite will ensure good drainage and fertility.
RepottingNew England Aster 'Barr's Pink' is typically grown as a perennial outdoor plant and does not require regular repotting. It can be divided every 3-4 years to rejuvenate and prevent overcrowding.
Humidity & MistingNew England Aster 'Barr's Pink' is adaptable to a wide range of humidity conditions and does well in the average outdoor humidity found in its growing zones.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright indirect light and keep in cool room.
Outdoor
Full sun, well-draining soil, water when dry, hardy perennial.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleThe New England Aster 'Barr's Pink', scientifically known as Symphyotrichum novae-angliae 'Barr's Pink', begins as a seed which germinates in spring when soil temperatures warm. Seedlings emerge and establish a rosette of leaves; during this stage, they develop a root system. Vegetative growth accelerates through the late spring and summer, with the plant producing a sturdy, branching stem and numerous leaves. By late summer to early fall, the plant reaches maturity and produces numerous pink, daisy-like flowers, with a peak blooming period typically occurring in September or October. After flowering, seeds are produced and dispersed, and the above-ground plant parts die back with the arrival of winter. The plant then goes dormant, surviving the cold months as a root system or as seeds, before resuming the cycle in the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Late summer to early autumn
The most popular method for propagating New England Aster 'Barr's Pink', a hardy and vibrant perennial, is through division. This process is ideally done in early spring before new growth begins or in the fall after the blooming season is over. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the entire plant, ensuring you capture as much of the root system as possible. Gently tease apart or cut sections of the plant with a sharp knife or spade, making sure that each section has several healthy shoots and a portion of the root system. Replant the divisions immediately at the same depth they were growing at before and water thoroughly to establish them. The divisions should be spaced about 18 inches (approximately 45.7 centimeters) apart to allow enough room for growth.
