New England Aster Symphyotrichum novae-angliae 'Rosa Sieger'
ABOUT
The 'Rosa Sieger' is a variety of the New England aster known for its distinctive and attractive appearance. This plant bears a profusion of daisy-like flowers with a unique shade of pink, which provides a soft yet vibrant display in the garden. The petals exhibit a narrow and elongated shape, radiating around a central disc that typically presents a contrasting yellow hue. As the blooms mature, the yellow centers may darken, adding depth to the visual interest of the plant. The foliage of the 'Rosa Sieger' consists of rich green leaves that are lance-shaped, providing a lush backdrop to the pink flowers. The leaves may be slightly hairy to the touch and are arranged alternately along the robust stems. Despite the absence of size-related details, the overall bushy habit of the 'Rosa Sieger' complements its floral display, making it an appealing choice for those looking to add waves of color to their garden without reference to its specific dimensions. The New England aster as a species is generally hardy and adaptable, implying that the 'Rosa Sieger' also shares these valuable garden traits. It thrives in conditions that mimic its natural habitat, with a preference for well-drained soil. Not only is it a feast for human eyes, but it also serves as an important food source for pollinators, inviting bees and butterflies into the space it occupies. In summary, the 'Rosa Sieger' New England aster is a charming plant with pink petals surrounding a yellow-to-dark center, set against a background of rich green foliage. It is appreciated by gardeners for both its aesthetic qualities and its ecological benefits.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
New England Aster, Michaelmas Daisy
Common names
Aster novae-angliae 'Rosa Sieger'.
ToxicityTo humans
The New England Aster, specifically the 'Rosa Sieger' cultivar, is not commonly regarded as toxic to humans. In general, there is no significant toxicity associated with the ingestion of this plant, and it is not known to cause severe or life-threatening symptoms if ingested by people.
To pets
The New England Aster, including the 'Rosa Sieger' variant, is not considered toxic to pets. It is generally safe for animals, and eating parts of this plant usually does not lead to serious symptoms of poisoning or long-term health consequences for household pets such as dogs and cats.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
3-6 feet (0.91-1.83 meters)
Spread
2-3 feet (0.61-0.91 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4-8
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: The plant provides nectar and pollen for bees, butterflies, and other important pollinators, enhancing biodiversity.
- Aesthetic Appeal: With its vibrant pink to rose-colored flowers, it adds a striking visual element to gardens and landscapes.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it's known for its ability to withstand periods of low water availability, making it suitable for xeriscaping.
- Winter Interest: The dried stems and flower heads can add texture and interest to winter gardens.
- Erosion Control: Its root system helps stabilize soil and prevent erosion, particularly in sloped areas.
- Easy to Grow: It generally requires low maintenance and is resistant to many common garden pests and diseases.
- Naturalizes Well: The plant can spread and create larger displays over time, often reseeding itself and filling out garden spaces.
- Wildlife Habitat: Provides shelter and food resources for wildlife, becoming part of a healthy ecosystem in the garden.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- New England Aster 'Rosa Sieger' can be used as a natural dye for textiles, providing a range of purple and lavender hues depending on the mordant used.
- The dried flowers of the New England Aster 'Rosa Sieger' can be incorporated into potpourri blends for a subtle, aesthetic touch and a mild, pleasant fragrance.
- This plant's sturdy stems can be used in basket weaving or as part of natural craft projects once they've dried out after the growing season.
- Asters like the New England Aster 'Rosa Sieger' can serve as companion plants in gardens to attract beneficial insects such as lacewings that prey on garden pests.
- The plant's leaves can be mashed and used as a green pigment in traditional painting techniques or for staining wood and crafts.
- New England Aster 'Rosa Sieger' can be utilized in educational settings, like schools and nature programs, to teach about pollination and the role of native plants in local ecosystems.
- Photographers and artists may use the vibrant flowers of the New England Aster 'Rosa Sieger' as a subject to explore color, light, and texture in their works.
- When planting en masse, this aster can act as a soil stabilizer on slopes or banks, its roots helping to prevent erosion.
- The New England Aster 'Rosa Sieger' can be used in sensory gardens, where its unique texture and colorful blossoms can be experienced through touch and sight.
- During autumn, the New England Aster 'Rosa Sieger' provides an essential late-season food source for migrating butterflies, supporting conservation efforts.
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- Persistence and Endurance: Commonly known as the New England Aster, Symphyotrichum novae-angliae 'Rosa Sieger' symbolizes persistence and endurance due to its hardy nature and ability to thrive in tough conditions.
- Daintiness and Patience: With its delicate-looking petals and gradual blooming period, it represents daintiness and the virtue of patience.
- Afterthought: The bloom of asters often signaling the end of the growing season, they carry the symbolism of an afterthought or a final flourish before winter.
- Variety and Diversity: Coming in a variety of colors and forms, asters represent variety and diversity in the world of flowers.
- Love and Affection: Asters are also associated with love and affection, making them a suitable gift to show appreciation and care.
WaterNew England Aster 'Rosa Sieger' prefers consistent moisture, so water this perennial plant deeply once a week, providing about 1 to 1.5 inches of water each time. During hot and dry periods, you may need to water twice a week to maintain moist soil, ensuring the plant does not sit in waterlogged conditions. It's best to water in the morning so the foliage has time to dry out over the course of the day, reducing the risk of fungal diseases. If you're using a watering can or hose, aim directly at the soil and not the foliage. Over the course of a month, this comes to roughly 4 to 6 gallons of water, depending on weather conditions and soil type.
LightNew England Aster 'Rosa Sieger' thrives in full sun, which means it requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. The best spot for this plant would be in an unobstructed location where it can receive generous sunlight throughout the day. Partial shade is acceptable, especially in hotter climates, but full sun is ideal to promote abundant blooms.
TemperatureNew England Aster 'Rosa Sieger' is hardy in temperatures as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit and can tolerate up to around 100 degrees Fahrenheit. It prefers growing in a temperate range of 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal growth. Ensure the plant is well-mulched to help protect its roots from extreme temperature fluctuations.
PruningNew England Aster 'Rosa Sieger' should be pruned to encourage bushier growth and more blooms. In early spring, cut back last year's growth to about 4 inches above the ground. Pinch back the tips of new growth in late spring to early summer to promote bushier plants. Prune after flowering if desired to maintain a tidy appearance.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe New England Aster prefers well-draining soil rich in organic matter with a pH of 6.0 to 8.0. A good mix can be created using equal parts garden soil, compost, and coarse sand to ensure adequate drainage and fertility.
RepottingNew England Asters do not typically require frequent repotting as they are perennial and often grown outdoors. They may only need repotting if they outgrow their container or every few years for soil refreshment.
Humidity & MistingNew England Asters are adaptable and do not require high humidity, thriving in average outdoor conditions. They tolerate a wide range of humidity levels typical of temperate climates.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Grow in bright indirect light, water regularly.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, well-draining soil, water as required.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleThe New England Aster 'Rosa Sieger' starts its life as a seed, which, when sown in late winter or early spring after stratification, will germinate in the presence of adequate warmth and moisture. Upon germination, seedlings emerge and establish a root system, followed by leaf production as they enter the vegetative growth stage during which the plant develops its foliage and stems through the spring and summer. This perennial then enters the flowering stage in late summer to fall, producing vibrant pink to rose-purple blooms that are attractive to pollinators like bees and butterflies. After flowering, the plant sets seed in the form of achenes which can be dispersed by wind to foster new plant colonies. Post-bloom, the aster enters a period of senescence in late fall to winter; the above-ground foliage dies back with the first frost and the plant enters a dormant phase, surviving the cold season as root stock or underground rhizomes. With the return of spring warmth, the New England Aster 'Rosa Sieger' re-emerges from dormancy, initiating a new growth cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Late Summer
The most popular method of propagating the New England Aster 'Rosa Sieger' is through division. This perennial plant can be divided in the spring or early fall, when the plant is not in active bloom. To divide, you would carefully dig up an established clump and gently separate the roots into smaller sections, ensuring each new section has multiple shoots and a portion of the root system. These divisions can then be replanted into prepared soil, spaced about 18 inches (approximately 45 centimeters) apart to allow for growth and air circulation. Proper watering is essential after replanting to help the new divisions establish. Division not only helps propagate new plants, but also invigorates the parent plant and encourages more vigorous growth.
