New England aster 'Rubinschatz' Symphyotrichum novae-angliae 'Rubinschatz'
ABOUT
'Quinton Menzies' is a clump-forming perennial with branching stems to 1.4m tall bearing deep pink flowerheads from late summer into early autumn
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
New England Aster, Michaelmas Daisy
Common names
Aster novae-angliae 'Rubinschatz'.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
3-6 feet (0.9-1.8 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: New England Aster 'Rubinschatz' is known for attracting bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, promoting a healthy and thriving ecosystem.
- Aesthetic Appeal: The plant features vibrant purple or pink blossoms that add a splash of color to gardens and landscapes from late summer into fall.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it has a good tolerance for drought conditions, making it an ideal plant for areas with water restrictions or low rainfall.
- Easy to Grow: This hardy perennial is relatively easy to care for, adapting to a wide range of soil types and requiring minimal maintenance once established.
- Winter Interest: The dried flower heads of the New England Aster 'Rubinschatz' can provide visual interest in the garden during the winter months.
- Habitat Restoration: It can be used in native planting schemes and habitat restoration projects, as it is a native species that supports local biodiversity.
- Erosion Control: With its fibrous root system, the plant can help stabilize soil and prevent erosion on slopes or in areas prone to losing topsoil.
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 'Rubinschatz' can be used as a natural dye for fabrics, providing shades of color that are often in the pink to purple range, depending on the mordant used.
- This plant is suitable for xeriscaping, which involves designing landscapes to reduce or eliminate the need for irrigation, making it a sustainable choice for dry regions.
- New England Aster 'Rubinschatz' can be utilized in sensory gardens as its bright flowers provide visual stimulation and its foliage can add texture for tactile exploration.
- The species can contribute to erosion control on slopes or banks due to its root structure, helping to stabilize the soil.
- Its vivid colors can be used strategically in garden design to create focal points or to lead the eye through a landscape.
- Some artists and crafters use the petals of New England Aster 'Rubinschatz' to make natural confetti for events and eco-friendly celebrations.
- Enthusiasts of plant-based inks may use the petals to extract pigments for use in art and calligraphy.
- New England Aster 'Rubinschatz' can be included in pollinator-friendly lawns as an alternative to traditional grass, promoting biodiversity.
- This plant can be used in thematic garden designs that aim to recreate the look and feel of New England landscapes or cottage gardens.
- Because of its late blooming period, the New England Aster 'Rubinschatz' can provide a valuable nectar source for migrating butterfly species, such as the Monarch, when other flowers have ceased blooming.
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: Symphyotrichum novae-angliae, commonly known as the New England aster, returns every year and can endure various conditions, symbolizing perseverance and resilience.
- Devotion: In flower language, asters are often associated with love and patience, suggesting a sense of devotion and care.
- Elegance: With its vibrant and sophisticated blossoms, the New England aster represents elegance and a refined beauty.
- Variety: As there are many colors of asters, they can represent diversity and uniqueness, celebrating individuality.
- Remembrance: Asters are traditionally used to imply remembrance and are often seen in motifs that honor memories and the past.
- Wisdom: The New England aster is said to embody wisdom, often related to its late bloom in the season, hinting at an accumulation of knowledge over time.
WaterNew England Aster 'Rubinschatz' should be watered thoroughly whenever the top inch of the soil feels dry to the touch, typically about once a week depending on weather conditions. During the hot summer months or in particularly dry climates, you may need to water every 3 to 4 days. Water at the base of the plant, avoiding wetting the foliage, to reduce the risk of fungal diseases. Aim for about 1 to 1.5 gallons of water per square foot of soil every two weeks, making adjustments for rainfall and temperature.
LightNew England Aster 'Rubinschatz' thrives in areas with full sun to light shade. An ideal spot would be where the plant receives at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. However, in extremely hot climates, a little afternoon shade can prevent heat stress.
TemperatureNew England Aster 'Rubinschatz' prefers moderate temperatures and will thrive in conditions that don't typically exceed 75 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and not drop below 40 degrees Fahrenheit at night. While it can withstand temperatures down to about 20 degrees Fahrenheit, freezing temperatures over prolonged periods may be detrimental. Ideally, maintain an environment within a comfortable range of 50-75 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal growth.
PruningNew England Aster 'Rubinschatz' should be pruned to maintain a tidy appearance and encourage bushier growth with more blooms. Prune in early spring by cutting back the top one-third of the plant to stimulate new growth. Deadheading, or removing spent flowers, should be done regularly during the blooming season to prolong blooming. Additionally, cut the plant down to the ground after the first hard frost in fall.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe New England Aster 'Rubinschatz' thrives in well-drained, average to fertile soil with a pH of 6.0 to 8.0. A mix of loam, compost, and peat or a balanced commercial potting soil amended with perlite for drainage is ideal.
RepottingNew England Aster 'Rubinschatz' typically doesn't require frequent repotting and can be done every 2-3 years or when it outgrows its current container.
Humidity & MistingNew England Aster 'Rubinschatz' tolerates a wide range of humidity conditions and does not have specific humidity requirements, making it quite adaptable.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and ensure good airflow.
Outdoor
Full sun to part shade with well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
3-8 USDA
Life cycleThe New England Aster 'Rubinschatz' begins its life cycle when its seeds germinate in early to mid-spring, typically once soil temperatures warm up sufficiently. The seedlings emerge and establish a rosette of leaves at the soil surface; the plant develops a strong root system during this stage. As the season progresses into summer, 'Rubinschatz' enters a vegetative growth phase, forming tall, robust stems with lance-shaped leaves. By late summer to early fall, the plant reaches its reproductive stage, producing abundant daisy-like flowers with deep pink to purple petals and yellow centers that attract pollinators. After pollination, the flowers produce seeds that mature by late fall. The plant then enters senescence, with above-ground parts dying back after frost, and the life cycle is poised to begin anew the following spring from seeds or perennial rootstock.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to early summer
The most popular method for propagating the New England Aster 'Rubinschatz' is through division, which is ideally done in the spring as new growth begins to appear. To propagate by division, one should carefully dig up an established clump of the aster and gently separate the plant into smaller sections, ensuring that each section has a portion of the root system attached. These divisions should then be immediately replanted in a suitable location where they can be watered thoroughly to help establish roots. Dividing the plant every few years will not only create new plants but also rejuvenate the older plants, encouraging more vigorous growth and flowering.
