New England Aster Symphyotrichum novae-angliae 'Herbstschnee'
ABOUT
Commonly known as the New England aster 'Herbstschnee', this plant is a perennial flower that displays a charming appearance. It's recognized by its showy bright flowers that usually bloom in late summer to fall. The flowers have an array of lovely petals surrounding a yellow center, which creates a beautiful contrast and is visually appealing. The petals are typically white, which is somewhat unique for an aster as most tend to display purples and pinks. The foliage of 'Herbstschnee' consists of green leaves that have a lance-shaped form with a slightly serrated edge that contributes to the overall texture of the plant. The foliage forms a bushy clump, giving the plant a robust and dense appearance. As the flowers bloom, they create a delightful display that can bring an area to life with its bright colors and abundant blossoms that attract butterflies and other pollinators. The New England aster 'Herbstschnee' has a naturally upright and mounded habit, making it suitable as a border plant or as part of a garden display where its flowers can be fully appreciated for their aesthetic qualities.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
New England Aster, Herbstschnee, Michaelmas Daisy, Hairy Michaelmas-daisy
Common names
Symphyotrichum novae-angliae 'Herbstschnee'.
ToxicityTo humans
New England aster 'Herbstschnee' is generally not considered toxic to humans. There are no well-documented cases of poisoning from this plant. However, as with any plant, some individuals may experience allergic reactions or skin irritation due to individual sensitivities or allergies. It’s always wise to exercise caution and avoid ingesting any part of ornamental plants.
To pets
New England aster 'Herbstschnee' is not listed as a toxic plant to pets such as dogs and cats. It is generally considered safe around pets, and there is no well-documented evidence of toxicity. However, pets may occasionally experience digestive upset if they consume large amounts of any non-food plant matter. It is always best to keep an eye on your pet and prevent them from eating ornamental plants as a precaution.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
3-6 feet (0.91-1.83 meters)
Spread
2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4-8
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: Symphyotrichum novae-angliae 'Herbstschnee', commonly known as the New England Aster, is highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, helping to support local ecosystems.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, this perennial requires minimal care beyond occasional watering and deadheading, making it ideal for low-maintenance gardens.
- Drought Tolerance: The plant is quite tolerant of dry conditions, making it suitable for drought-prone areas and xeriscaping.
- Late Season Bloomer: It produces flowers in late summer to fall, when many other perennials have finished blooming, offering extended seasonal interest in the garden.
- Frost Resistance: The New England Aster is resistant to the first frosts of autumn, extending its display of color even as the temperatures drop.
- Wildlife Habitat: Provides nesting materials and habitat for various species of wildlife, contributing to biodiversity conservation.
- Erosion Control: The plant's root system can help stabilize soil and prevent erosion, especially on slopes or in areas with loose soil.
- Winter Interest: After blooming, the seed heads can provide visual interest in the winter garden and a food source for birds.
- Curb Appeal: With its showy flowers and robust growth, it can enhance the aesthetic appeal of gardens and landscapes.
- Native Plant: As a native species, it is well-adapted to the local climate and soil conditions, often thriving with fewer inputs than non-native species.
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 create natural dyes for textiles, offering a range of colors from its flowers and leaves when processed properly.
- Insect Habitat: Its dense foliage can provide shelter for beneficial insects, including native bees and butterflies, thus promoting local biodiversity.
- Photography: Gardeners and photographers often use New England aster as a subject for macro photography due to its vibrant flowers and attractive foliage.
- Educational Tool: Botany enthusiasts utilize this plant to teach about native plant species, pollination dynamics, and ecosystem interactions.
- Craft Projects: Dried flowers of the New England aster are sometimes used in crafting, such as in flower arrangements or potpourris.
- Green Roofing: The New England aster can be planted on green roofs for its hardiness and to attract pollinators at higher altitudes.
- Soil Erosion Control: This plant's root system can help stabilize soil and prevent erosion in areas such as riverbanks and slopes.
- Winter Interest: The plant's dried flower heads provide visual interest in gardens even during the dormant winter months.
- Frost Predictor: Some gardeners observe the New England aster's response to lowering temperatures to gauge the approach of the first frost in fall.
- Eco-printing: Leaves and flowers from the plant can be used for eco-printing, a technique where natural plant dyes are transferred to fabric or paper.
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- New Beginnings: Symphyotrichum novae-angliae, commonly known as the New England Aster, blooms in late summer and autumn, a time often associated with the start of new endeavors and the closing of others, symbolically representing new life phases or fresh starts.
- Patience: The New England Aster is a perennial plant that often symbolizes patience, as it requires time to establish its roots and reach full bloom.
- Devotion: With its long-lasting blooms that endure into the cooler months, this aster has come to represent fidelity and a lasting bond, often found in themes of love and friendship.
- Elegance: The delicate and organized structure of the flowers can suggest an inherent elegance and simplicity, signifying a beauty that is both natural and unassuming.
- Wisdom: In some floral languages, asters are associated with the wisdom that comes with age, due in part to their blooming in the later part of the year.
WaterNew England Aster, which is the common name for Symphyotrichum novae-angliae 'Herbstschnee', prefers consistent moisture but is tolerant of some drought once established. During the growing season, typically water it once a week with about one inch of water, especially if the weather is particularly dry. Adjust the frequency to account for rainfall, and water less often once the plant is well-established. It is important to water deeply to encourage root growth, which means applying water slowly at the base of the plant until the soil is moist to a depth of at least an inch.
LightNew England Aster thrives in full sun, which means it should receive at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day. Planting in a spot that has unobstructed access to sunlight throughout the day is ideal for promoting flowering. Part sun with some light shade, especially during the hottest part of the afternoon, can also be suitable.
TemperatureNew England Aster does well in a range of temperatures common to many temperate climates. The ideal growing temperatures are between 60°F and 70°F. It can withstand a minimum temperatures down to 20°F, making it suitable for cooler climates. It is a hardy perennial that flourishes in the autumn when cooler temperatures stimulate blooming.
PruningNew England Aster should be pruned to encourage a more compact growth habit and to promote vigorous blooming. Deadheading spent flowers can extend the blooming period. Cut back the foliage in late fall or early spring, before new growth begins. Pruning back by one-third in early summer can also help prevent the plant from becoming too leggy and reduce the need for staking.
CleaningAs needed
SoilNew England Aster 'Herbstschnee' prefers well-draining, loamy soil rich in organic matter, with a pH range of 6.0 to 8.0. Amend the soil with compost or peat moss to enhance its structure and fertility.
RepottingNew England Aster 'Herbstschnee' typically does not require frequent repotting and can thrive for several years in the same location if it is not becoming overcrowded.
Humidity & MistingNew England Aster 'Herbstschnee' is tolerant of a wide range of humidity levels and thrives in outdoor conditions where humidity is naturally regulated by the environment.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright light, moderate water, and good air flow.
Outdoor
Plant in sun, provide water, and protect from extreme cold.
Hardiness zone
3-8 USDA
Life cycleThe common name for Symphyotrichum novae-angliae 'Herbstschnee' is the New England Aster 'Herbstschnee'. Its life cycle begins with seed germination in late winter to early spring, where it requires a period of cold stratification to break dormancy. Upon sprouting, the seedling will establish a root system and develop a rosette of leaves in its first season. As it matures into its second year, it will grow taller stems and more leaves, preparing for its flowering stage. Flowering occurs typically in late summer to fall, producing white flowers that attract pollinators like bees and butterflies. After flowering, the plant sets seed which is dispersed by wind before the plant dies back in winter, although the perennial root system survives to send up new growth the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Late summer
Symphyotrichum novae-angliae 'Herbstschnee', more commonly known as the New England Aster 'Herbstschnee', is best propagated through division, which is the most popular method for this perennial. The ideal time to divide these plants is in early spring as the new growth begins to emerge. To propagate by division, carefully dig up an established clump of the aster and then gently separate the plant into smaller sections, ensuring that each section has a good portion of the root system. Trim away any dead or damaged roots and replant the divisions at the same depth they were originally growing at, spacing them about 18 inches (approximately 45 centimeters) apart to allow for adequate air circulation and growth. Water the new divisions well to establish them. This method is effective because it helps maintain the vigor of the plant while also curbing its tendency to become overly dense and susceptible to disease.
