New England Aster Symphyotrichum novae-angliae 'James Ritchie'
ABOUT
The Symphyotrichum novae-angliae 'James Ritchie', commonly known as the New England Aster 'James Ritchie', is a vibrant and showy perennial flower. Its beauty lies in the dense clusters of daisy-like blooms that adorn the plant. Each flower on 'James Ritchie' stands out with its vivid, deep red to crimson petals that are arranged around a contrasting central disc, often a golden-yellow hue. This striking color combination attracts many pollinators and adds a burst of late-season color to any garden setting. The foliage of 'James Ritchie' is equally as lush, consisting of lance-shaped leaves that are typically deep green in color, providing a rich backdrop for the fiery red flowers. The leaves are arranged alternately along the plant's sturdy stems, which branch gracefully and can withstand various weather conditions. As with most New England Asters, the combination of this cultivar's blooms and robust foliage is not only aesthetically pleasing but also contributes to a feeling of abundance and vitality in the landscape. In addition to its aesthetic appeal, 'James Ritchie' is also prized for its hardiness and ability to thrive in various conditions, making it a popular choice among gardeners and landscapers alike.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
New England Aster, Michaelmas Daisy, James Ritchie Aster.
Common names
Aster novae-angliae 'James Ritchie', Aster novae-angliae var. james ritchie.
ToxicityTo humans
New England Aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae 'James Ritchie') is generally not considered toxic to humans. There are no well-documented cases of poisoning from ingesting this plant. As with many plants, individual allergies or sensitivities could potentially cause mild irritation if handled or minor gastrointestinal discomfort if accidentally ingested, but there are no significant toxic effects associated with this species to be concerned about for the general population.
To pets
New England Aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae 'James Ritchie') is also generally considered non-toxic to pets. Similar to their human counterparts, pets are unlikely to experience any significant toxic effects from ingesting this plant. However, individual sensitivities or allergies in pets may lead to mild gastrointestinal upset such as vomiting or diarrhea. Instances of toxicity in pets are rare and New England Aster is not known for having serious toxic consequences when parts of the plant are ingested by animals.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Violet
Height
3-4 feet (0.91-1.22 meters)
Spread
1-3 feet (0.30-0.91 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4-8
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Wildlife: Symphyotrichum novae-angliae 'James Ritchie', commonly known as New England Aster, is excellent for attracting pollinators such as butterflies and bees, which are important for pollination in gardens and ecosystems.
- Aesthetic Appeal: With its vibrant purple-pink flowers, the New England Aster adds a splash of color to gardens, borders, and wildflower meadows from late summer into fall.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, this aster is quite drought-tolerant, making it suitable for xeriscaping and for gardeners looking to reduce their water usage.
- Winter Interest: The seed heads of the New England Aster can provide visual interest in the garden during the winter months, as well as food for birds.
- Low Maintenance: This plant generally requires minimal care once established, making it an ideal choice for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Cultural Significance: The New England Aster is a native species in North America, contributing to regional biodiversity and providing cultural significance in native landscaping.
- Erosion Control: This aster can help prevent soil erosion when planted on slopes or in areas with loose soil, thanks to its root system that stabilizes the ground.
- Easy Propagation: New England Asters can be easily propagated from seed or by dividing clumps, allowing gardeners to expand their plantings 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- Natural Fabric Dye: The New England aster can be used to create natural dyes for textiles, providing a range of colors from soft greens to rich purples depending on the mordant used.
- Art and Craft Supplies: Its dried flowers and stems can be incorporated into floral arrangements and crafts, adding color and texture to handmade creations.
- Educational Tools: This plant species can be used in educational settings to teach children about pollination, plant biology, and the importance of native species in ecosystems.
- Biodegradable Confetti: When dried, the petals can serve as a natural and biodegradable option for confetti at celebrations, reducing the environmental impact of events.
- Photography Aids: The vivid colors of New England aster make it an excellent subject for practicing macro photography and studying the interplay of light and nature.
- Culinary Garnish: Although not widely known for its flavor, the petals can be used as edible garnishes to add a pop of color to salads and desserts.
- Garden Borders: This plant can be used to create striking borders in gardens, attracting beneficial insects while adding height and color contrast.
- Erosion Control: The fibrous root system of the New England aster can help stabilize soil and control erosion on slopes and riverbanks.
- Winter Interest: The dried seed heads and stems can be left untrimmed to add visual interest to the garden during the winter months.
- Melliferous Plant: It serves as an important source of nectar for honeybees, and the resulting honey can have subtle floral notes characteristic of the New England aster's blossoms.
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 Patience: New England Aster, as Symphyotrichum novae-angliae 'James Ritchie' is commonly known, often embodies feelings of devotion due to its perennial nature and the way it returns each year with vibrant blooms.
- Elegance and Daintiness: The delicate shape and form of its flowers, along with the array of colors available, symbolize elegance and a dainty beauty that is often associated with sophisticated and refined situations.
- Wisdom: In flower language, asters are frequently associated with wisdom. This could be due to their late blooming period, signifying a mature point in the growing season.
- Patience: As the New England Aster blooms in late summer to fall, it represents patience, with the flower waiting to reveal its beauty at the end of the growing season.
WaterNew England Aster 'James Ritchie' should be watered deeply once a week, providing about one inch of water each time, which equates to about 0.623 gallons per square foot. During hot, dry periods, increased watering may be necessary, potentially twice a week to maintain consistent soil moisture. Reduce watering frequency as the plant becomes established, encouraging deeper root growth. Avoid overhead watering to reduce the risk of mildew and fungal diseases. Ensure that the soil has good drainage to prevent waterlogging.
LightThe New England Aster 'James Ritchie' thrives best in full sunlight, needing at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. It can tolerate partial shade, but flowering may be reduced in less light. The ideal spot for this plant is in a garden setting that receives unfiltered sunlight throughout the day, avoiding shaded areas that are cast by buildings or larger plants.
TemperatureNew England Aster 'James Ritchie' can survive in a temperature range between 40 degrees to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. The ideal growing conditions are within the temperate zones, and they may struggle with the extreme heat or cold. These plants are hardy and can tolerate frost, making them suitable for many American gardens.
PruningPrune New England Aster 'James Ritchie' in late fall after the flowering season has ended or in early spring before new growth begins. Pruning helps to maintain an attractive shape, encourage bushier growth, and prevent disease by increasing air circulation. Cut back the stems to about 4 inches from the ground annually. Deadheading spent flowers during the blooming season can also promote further blooms.
CleaningAs needed
SoilNew England Aster 'James Ritchie' thrives in well-draining soil with a moderate amount of organic matter and a pH range of 6.0 to 8.0. A mixture of loamy soil, peat, compost, and a small amount of coarse sand is ideal to provide the right texture and nutrients.
RepottingNew England Aster 'James Ritchie' is a perennial plant not typically grown in containers and thus does not require regular repotting. If grown in a pot, repot every 2-3 years to refresh the soil.
Humidity & MistingNew England Aster 'James Ritchie' tolerates a wide range of humidity levels and will do well in average outdoor conditions without the need for specific humidity adjustments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Grow in bright light, keep soil moist.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, well-drained soil.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleThe New England Aster 'James Ritchie' begins its life as a seed that germinates in early spring when soil temperatures warm. After sprouting, the seedling grows into a young plant with characteristic foliage, developing a robust root system. During the growing season, the plant matures and produces upright stems with green to hairy leaves. In late summer to fall, it reaches its flowering stage, producing vibrant purple to magenta blooms with yellow centers which attract pollinators. After pollination, the flowers produce seeds which are dispersed by wind or wildlife, ensuring the continuation of the species. With the onset of winter, the plant enters dormancy, with the aerial parts dying back while the roots survive to sprout again the next spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Late summer
Propogation: The New England aster 'James Ritchie' is commonly propagated by division, ideally undertaken in the spring. This involves gently digging up the parent plant and carefully separating the root ball into smaller sections, ensuring that each new section has a portion of the root system and several shoots. These divisions can then be replanted in well-prepared soil, spaced about 18 to 24 inches apart (45 to 60 cm), to accommodate the mature size of the plant. Water the new divisions thoroughly after planting to help establish them. It is important to keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged, during the first growing season to ensure successful establishment.
