New England Aster Symphyotrichum novae-angliae 'Helen Picton'
ABOUT
The New England aster 'Helen Picton' is a perennial plant known for its showy and vibrant flowers. The plant produces an abundance of daisy-like blossoms, which encompass a range of purple hues that often appear in rich, deep shades. These captivating flowers have narrow petals that radiate around a prominent yellow central disc, creating a striking contrast. The foliage of 'Helen Picton' consists of lush green leaves that provide a dense backdrop for the bright flowers. The leaves are typically lance-shaped and may have a slightly rough texture, giving the plant a robust and full appearance. Blooming typically in the late summer to fall, this cultivar offers an extended display of color when many other plants in the garden are beginning to fade. Its eye-catching flowers not only add aesthetic value to gardens and landscapes but also attract butterflies, bees, and other pollinators, enhancing biodiversity. Overall, the New England aster 'Helen Picton' stands out for its vivid, long-lasting flowers and the verdant greenery that supports and highlights the beautiful blooms.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
New England Aster, Michaelmas Daisy
Common names
Aster novae-angliae 'Helen Picton', Aster novae-angliae var. novae-angliae 'Helen Picton'.
ToxicityTo humans
The New England Aster, Symphyotrichum novae-angliae 'Helen Picton', is generally not considered toxic to humans. There are no well-documented cases of poisoning from ingesting this plant. Therefore, there are no specific symptoms of poisoning associated with New England Aster to describe.
To pets
The New England Aster, Symphyotrichum novae-angliae 'Helen Picton', is not commonly known to be toxic to pets. It is considered safe around animals, and there are no significant reports of symptoms or poisoning in pets after ingestion of this plant.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
3-4 feet (0.9-1.2 meters)
Spread
1-3 feet (0.3-0.9 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3-8
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Ecosystem Support: Provides nectar for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, supporting biodiversity.
- Ornamental Value: Adds vibrant purple color to gardens with its aster-like flowers, enhancing aesthetic beauty.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, New England aster can tolerate periods of drought, reducing the need for constant watering.
- Cold Hardy: Can survive in colder climates, making it suitable for a variety of garden zones.
- Long Bloom Season: Flowers from late summer into fall, providing color when many other plants are fading.
- Wildlife Habitat: Provides shelter and breeding grounds for beneficial insects and small wildlife.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care once established, making it suitable for low-maintenance landscapes.
- Erosion Control: Can help prevent soil erosion with its robust root system once established.
- Cut Flowers: Suitable for use in floral arrangements, adding a splash of color to home decor.
- Naturalizing: Can spread easily and form naturalized areas, ideal for creating wildflower meadows.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Dye Production: The New England Aster can be used to produce a natural dye from its flowers, providing hues varying from purple to blue.
- Art Supplies: Flowers of the New England Aster can be used to create natural inks and watercolors for art projects.
- Fiber Staining: The plant's dye can also be used to stain fibers and textiles for crafting and fabric art.
- Educational Tool: This species can be used in botanical studies to teach plant identification and pollinator interactions.
- Garden Aesthetics: Incorporating New England Asters in garden design for their bright and vibrant autumnal colors.
- Erosion Control: The plant's root system can help stabilize soil and prevent erosion on slopes.
- Wildlife Photography: The New England Aster's attractiveness to butterflies and bees makes it a great subject for wildlife photographers.
- Companion Planting: Using the New England Aster in companion planting can attract beneficial insects that will help with the pest control of nearby plants.
- Culinary Garnish: The petals can be used as an edible garnish to beautify salads and desserts, although not commonly consumed.
- Eco-friendly confetti: Dried petals of the New England Aster can serve as an alternative to traditional confetti for celebrations, reducing plastic waste.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe New England Aster 'Helen Picton' is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe New England Aster 'Helen Picton' is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Patience: The New England Aster, often blooms late in the growing season, representing the virtue of patience and the rewards of waiting for the right moment.
- Remembrance: Associated with the tradition of placing flowers on graves, this aster variety symbolizes the act of honoring and remembering those who have passed.
- Devotion: Asters are also linked to the symbol of love and deep devotion, possibly because of their hardy nature and the way they persist through the seasons.
- Wisdom: In some floral languages, asters convey the meaning of wisdom, a nod perhaps to their long-lasting presence in the garden and the way they spread and grow prolifically.
- Faith: Their star-like shape can represent achieving a balance in life and maintaining a sense of faith through life's challenges.
WaterFor the New England aster 'Helen Picton,' water thoroughly whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, which might be once a week during peak summer heat or less frequently during cooler, wetter periods. Use enough water to moisten the soil to a depth of about 6 inches. Over the course of a month, this may translate to approximately 1-2 gallons, depending on weather conditions and the plant's establishment. Avoid overwatering, as this plant is relatively drought-tolerant once established and prefers well-drained soil.
LightNew England aster 'Helen Picton' thrives in full sun, meaning at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. The ideal spot for planting is an area with unobstructed exposure to sunlight, which promotes the best flowering and helps prevent disease. Partial shade is tolerable but may result in fewer blooms and a leggier plant.
TemperatureNew England aster 'Helen Picton' can survive in a wide range of temperatures, ideally thriving between 60°F and 75°F. It is winter hardy in temperatures as low as -20°F and can tolerate summer highs up to 90°F. Providing the ideal temperature range will promote vigorous growth and abundant flowering.
PruningPrune New England aster 'Helen Picton' in late winter or early spring before new growth begins to maintain its shape and encourage bushier growth. Deadheading, or removing spent flowers during the blooming season, promotes continued flowering. Cut the plant back to the ground after flowering to tidy up the garden and prevent self-seeding if desired.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe New England Aster 'Helen Picton' prefers well-drained, moist soil with a high organic matter content. A good soil mix would include loamy garden soil, compost, and peat or leaf mold to improve drainage and fertility. This plant thrives with a soil pH range of 6.0 to 8.0.
RepottingNew England Aster 'Helen Picton' is typically not repotted as it is a perennial garden plant. Instead, divide clumps every 2-4 years in spring to rejuvenate and maintain vigor.
Humidity & MistingNew England Aster 'Helen Picton' is tolerant of a wide range of humidity conditions and does not require specific humidity levels, making it versatile for different outdoor climates.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light; keep moist.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun; water regularly.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleSymphyotrichum novae-angliae 'Helen Picton', commonly known as the New England Aster 'Helen Picton', begins its life cycle when seeds germinate in the spring, requiring a period of cold stratification to break dormancy. The seedlings establish themselves quickly, producing a rosette of leaves and developing a strong root system. As the plant matures, it grows erect stems and foliage during the late spring and early summer, forming a bushy clump. By late summer to early fall, it enters the flowering stage, where it produces numerous daisy-like purple flowers with yellow centers, which attract pollinators like bees and butterflies. After pollination, the flowers develop into seed heads that disperse seeds in the autumn, allowing for the spread of the plant. With the onset of winter, the plant goes dormant, with the above-ground growth dying back, and it relies on its perennial root system to survive until the next spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Late summer to early autumn
The most popular method of propagation for the New England Aster 'Helen Picton' is through division, which is ideally done in the spring. To propagate by division, you should carefully dig up the parent plant, ensuring you get a large root ball to protect the root system. Using a sharp spade or knife, divide the clump into smaller sections, each with several shoots and a portion of the root system attached. These sections can then be replanted immediately, spaced about 18 inches (approximately 46 centimeters) apart to allow sufficient room for growth. Water the new divisions thoroughly after planting to help establish them. This technique is favored because it helps rejuvenate older clumps that might be dying out in the center, and it is a reliable way to produce true-to-type plants quickly.
