New England Aster Symphyotrichum novae-angliae 'Mrs S.t. Wright'
ABOUT
The plant known as the New England aster 'Mrs S.t. Wright' is recognized for its striking display of daisy-like flowers. The blooms present a captivating visual with their vibrant purple petals radiating around prominent yellow centers. The petals are numerous and arranged in a symmetrical pattern typical of aster family flowers. This colorful show is supported by a lush backdrop of foliage that is typically dark green, with leaves that can vary in shape from lanceolate to ovate, often with a slightly serrated edge. The leaves are arranged alternately along the stems, which are sturdy and may exhibit a purple or reddish tint. Overall, this cultivar is prized for its abundant floral display that contributes a splash of autumn color to garden landscapes.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae.
Synonyms
New England Aster, Michaelmas Daisy, Hairy Michaelmas Daisy.
Common names
Aster novae-angliae 'Mrs S.T. Wright'.
ToxicityTo humans
The New England Aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae 'Mrs S.t. Wright') is generally considered non-toxic to humans. There are no well-documented cases of poisoning from consuming or handling this plant. Therefore, no specific symptoms of poisoning are associated with this species. However, as with any plant, individual allergies or sensitivities can exist, so it is always wise to exercise caution and avoid ingesting plants that are not specifically intended for human consumption.
To pets
The New England Aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae 'Mrs S.t. Wright') is generally recognized as non-toxic to pets. It is not known to cause poisoning in animals if they ingest parts of the plant. Owners should always monitor their pets around plants, as individual animals may have unique sensitivities or allergies, but there are no common toxic effects associated with this species for pets.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
3-4 feet (91-122 cm)
Spread
1-3 feet (30-91 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4-8
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: The New England aster variety 'Mrs S.T. Wright' is known to attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects which are vital for pollination and the health of nearby plants.
- Enhances Biodiversity: By providing food and habitat for wildlife, this plant can help increase the biodiversity within its growing environment.
- Seasonal Interest: With its late summer to fall blooming period, it offers vibrant colors when many other plants are beginning to fade, ensuring sustained visual appeal in the landscape.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, the New England aster is relatively drought-tolerant, which makes it suitable for xeriscaping and reducing the need for supplemental watering.
- Easy to Grow: It is generally not a fussy plant and can thrive in a variety of soil types, making it easy for gardeners of all skill levels to grow.
- Supports Wildlife: Beyond pollinators, the seeds of the New England aster provide food for birds and other wildlife during the autumn and winter seasons.
- Helps Control Erosion: The plant's root system can help stabilize soil and control erosion, particularly when planted en masse in larger landscapes or naturalized areas.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- The New England Aster 'Mrs S.T. Wright' can be used in natural dye production, with the flowers providing shades of pink and purple to textiles when used in dye baths.
- This plant has the potential to be used as a soil stabilizer in restoration projects or on slopes prone to erosion due to its fibrous and extensive root system.
- In floral arrangements, both fresh and dried, New England Aster adds a vibrant pop of color and can maintain its form well after cutting.
- It can serve as a living mulch because it forms dense clumps, thereby suppressing weeds and retaining soil moisture.
- New England Aster can be planted in butterfly gardens as it is a nectar source for many species, including the monarch butterfly.
- Because of its tall and sturdy stems, the plant can be used in garden design to provide vertical interest and structure to planting schemes.
- The seeds of New England Aster are a food source for birds, including finches and sparrows, so planting it can be part of a wildlife-friendly garden strategy.
- This plant can be used for educational purposes in schools and nature programs to teach about pollinator attractants and native plant gardening.
- Petals of the New England Aster are sometimes used in potpourri mixes for their color and subtle fragrance.
- The plant's ability to tolerate wet soil makes it useful for rain garden installations that aim to manage stormwater runoff.
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: Symphyotrichum novae-angliae, commonly known as New England Aster, often symbolizes devotion and patience, reflecting the plant's perennial nature and its ability to bloom year after year.
- Afterthought: Because asters often bloom in late summer and fall, they can be associated with an afterthought or a final flourish, reminiscent of the plant's place in the garden as one of the last blooms before winter.
- Elegance and Daintiness: With its delicate petals and graceful form, the New England Aster can represent elegance and daintiness, celebrating the subtle beauty of nature's creations.
- Variety and Abundance: Since there are many species and countless cultivars of asters, including 'Mrs S.T. Wright', they can symbolize variety and abundance, reflecting the diversity of nature.
- Love and Trust: In some traditions, gifting asters is a sign of trust and love, acknowledging the depth of one's feelings for another.
- New Beginnings: As flowers that herald the fall, asters like the New England Aster can also symbolize new beginnings or the start of a new chapter, just like the onset of a new season.
- Remembrance: Asters are sometimes used to honor and remember those that have passed, chosen for their heartfelt colors and end-of-season timing.
WaterNew England Aster 'Mrs S.T. Wright' should be watered thoroughly, allowing the soil to become moist but not waterlogged. During the growing season, it typically requires watering once a week, but this can vary depending on climate conditions such as heat and wind. It’s crucial to reduce watering frequency as the plant goes dormant in winter. A general rule is to provide about 1 gallon of water per week for established plants, adjusting as necessary for temperature and rainfall. Always check the top inch of soil for dryness between waterings.
LightNew England Aster 'Mrs S.T. Wright' thrives in full sun to partial shade. It does best with at least six hours of direct sunlight daily, so place it in a spot where it can enjoy ample sunshine. Avoid deep shade, as it can lead to poor flowering and weak growth.
TemperatureNew England Aster 'Mrs S.T. Wright' can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, but it grows best when daytime temperatures are between 60°F and 75°F. It can survive short periods of cold down to about -30°F and can handle heat up to 90°F, although prolonged heat can stress the plant.
PruningPruning New England Aster 'Mrs S.T. Wright' helps to promote bushier growth and more abundant blooms. Cut back the plant by about one-third in early summer to encourage branching. After flowering, deadhead spent blooms to maintain a neat appearance. The best time for major pruning is in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe New England Aster prefers well-draining soil rich in organic matter. Amend the soil with compost or aged manure to improve fertility. Aim for a slightly acidic to neutral pH, somewhere between 6.0 and 7.0, to ensure optimal growth and flowering.
RepottingNew England Asters do not commonly require repotting as they are perennial plants. They can be divided every 3 to 4 years in early spring if they become overcrowded to promote healthier growth and maintain vigor.
Humidity & MistingNew England Aster thrives in average humidity conditions. It does not require any special humidity considerations, making it adaptable to the humidity levels found in most outdoor garden environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright light, cool temp, and pot with drainage holes.
Outdoor
Plant in sun, provide space, and mulch, water deeply.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleThe life cycle of Symphyotrichum novae-angliae 'Mrs S.T. Wright', commonly known as New England Aster 'Mrs S.T. Wright', begins with seed germination, typically in the spring when soil temperatures warm. The seeds develop into seedlings that form rosettes of leaves at the soil surface. As the plant matures, it produces sturdy, upright stems and a robust root system throughout the growing season. During late summer to fall, the plant blooms, producing numerous daisy-like purple flowers with yellow centers that attract pollinators. After flowering, the plant sets seeds that are dispersed by wind and animals, ensuring the next generation. With the onset of winter, the plant dies back to the ground but the perennial root system survives to regrow the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Late Summer to Early Fall
The most popular method of propagating New England Aster 'Mrs S.T. Wright' is through division. The best time to propagate by division is in the spring as the new growth begins to appear. To do this, carefully dig up the plant, ensuring you preserve as much of the root system as possible. Gently separate the plant into smaller clumps, each with several shoots and a portion of the root system. Replant the divisions immediately at the same depth they were growing before, spacing them about 18 inches (approximately 45 centimeters) apart to allow for adequate air circulation and growth. Water the new divisions thoroughly to help establish them. This straightforward process helps to rejuvenate older clumps and is a reliable way to produce more plants quickly.
