New England Aster Symphyotrichum novae-angliae 'Septemberrubin'
ABOUT
Symphyotrichum novae-angliae 'Septemberrubin', widely known as the New England aster 'Septemberrubin', is a perennial plant known for its showy flowers and robust growth. The plant bears a profusion of daisy-like blossoms that make a striking display in late summer and fall. The blooms of the 'Septemberrubin' variety are characterized by their vibrant, deep pink to ruby red petals which encircle a central yellow to ochre disc. These flowers are typically rich in color and densely packed on the plant, creating a lush appearance. The leaves of the New England aster 'Septemberrubin' are narrow, lance-shaped, and may display a rough texture. They are typically a dark green color, which provides a beautiful contrast to the bright blossoms. The plant has a bushy habit, with stems that are sturdy and may have fine hairs, contributing to a slightly fuzzy appearance. Its foliage is lush, creating a backdrop that enhances the display of its eye-catching flowers. This aster is a favorite among gardeners who wish to add a splash of late-season color to their landscapes. It attracts various pollinators, including bees and butterflies, making it not only a visually appealing addition but also beneficial for the local ecosystem. The New England aster 'Septemberrubin' is often planted en masse for a bold effect or used as a border plant to provide a continuous flowering display along edges of gardens or walkways.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
New England Aster, September Ruby, Hardy Aster
Common names
Aster novae-angliae 'Septemberrubin', Aster novae-angliae var. novae-angliae.
ToxicityTo humans
The plant commonly known as New England aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae 'Septemberrubin') is not considered toxic to humans. There are no well-documented cases or significant concerns regarding poisoning if ingested. Therefore, no specific symptoms of poisoning are generally associated with this plant for humans.
To pets
For pets, the New England aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae 'Septemberrubin') is also not considered toxic. It is generally safe for pets, and there are no known toxic effects from ingestion. Consequently, symptoms of poisoning due to consuming any part of this plant are not expected for pets.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Ruby-red
Height
3-6 feet (0.9-1.8 meters)
Spread
1-3 feet (0.3-0.9 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4-8
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: Provides nectar and pollen for bees, butterflies, and other pollinating insects, aiding in pollination of gardens and crops.
- Improves Biodiversity: Supports a wide variety of wildlife, contributing to a healthier and more balanced ecosystem.
- Easy to Grow: Adaptable to a wide range of soil types and climatic conditions, making it suitable for many gardens.
- Autumn Color: Adds vibrant color to the garden during the fall season when many other plants may be fading.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, it can withstand periods of low rainfall, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Perennial Growth: As a perennial, it regrows every spring, offering a long-lasting presence in the landscape.
- Landscape Design: Its striking color and height make it an excellent choice for backdrops in borders or as a standalone feature.
- Wildlife Habitat: Provides food and shelter for a variety of wildlife, including birds that may feed on its seeds.
- Cut Flower: Its blooms make excellent additions to floral arrangements, providing color indoors as well as outside.
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 'Septemberrubin' can be used as a natural dye for fabrics, providing a range of colors from soft lavenders to deep purples depending on the mordant used.
- Due to its late blooming, the New England aster can be a vital source of nectar for migrating butterflies, especially monarchs, as they make their way south for the winter.
- Artists may use the pressed flowers of New England aster in crafting and botanical prints for a touch of natural beauty and color in their work.
- The stems of New England aster, when dried, can be used in creating rustic and natural-looking wreaths or other decorative items for the home.
- The flowers can be included in floral arrangements to celebrate the autumnal equinox, symbolizing the balance between light and dark as day and night are of equal length.
- New England aster can be used as an educational tool in schools and nature programs to teach about plant life cycles, especially in discussions about perennials and the ecology of meadows.
- The plant's vibrant flowers can be used in culinary presentations as an edible garnish, offering a splash of color to dishes, though they should be used sparingly due to their intense flavor.
- The presence of New England aster in a garden can provide opportunities for nature photography, capturing the rich colors and attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies.
- New England aster can serve as a natural indicator plant, as its blooming period can signal the onset of certain seasonal changes in a bioregion, often blooming in late summer to fall.
- Because the New England aster can grow in a variety of soil conditions, it can be used in erosion control efforts to stabilize soil in areas prone to erosion.
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: The New England aster blooms in late summer to fall, representing growth and the start of a new cycle as seasons change.
- Patience: As a plant that takes time to bloom, it symbolizes the need for patience before reaching full bloom and achieving one's goals.
- Elegance: With its vibrant and deep ruby colors, the 'Septemberrubin' variety of New England aster epitomizes elegance and sophistication in the natural world.
- Devotion: Asters are often associated with love and daintiness, with the New England aster representing a strong devotion thanks to its robust and resilient nature.
- Wisdom: Historically, asters were believed to be a symbol of wisdom and a valued plant in ancient cultures for its perceived medicinal properties.
WaterThe New England aster 'Septemberrubin' prefers consistent moisture, especially during its active growth and blooming period in the summer and early fall. It should be watered deeply about once a week, providing enough water to moisten the soil to a depth of at least 1 inch. During periods of drought or extreme heat, increase watering frequency to maintain soil moisture. It's important not to overwater, as this plant can be susceptible to root rot in waterlogged soil. Adjust watering based on rainfall, and reduce frequency as the plant goes dormant in the winter.
LightThe New England aster 'Septemberrubin' thrives in full sun conditions, requiring at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. The ideal spot for planting would be an area that receives ample morning sunlight and protection from the intense afternoon heat if possible. Too little light may lead to leggy growth and fewer blooms.
TemperatureThe New England aster 'Septemberrubin' is a hardy perennial that can withstand temperatures as low as -30°F and as high as 100°F. However, the ideal temperature range for optimal growth is between 60°F and 75°F. It is well-suited for USDA zones 4 through 8 and thrives in the moderate temperatures of these regions.
PruningThe New England aster 'Septemberrubin' benefits from pruning to encourage bushier growth, more blooms, and to maintain its shape. Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins, cutting back the previous year's growth to about 4-6 inches. Additionally, deadheading spent flowers during the blooming season can promote further blooming. Prune annually to ensure vigorous plants and abundant flowering.
CleaningAs needed
SoilNew England Aster 'Septemberrubin' thrives in well-drained, loamy soil with a good mix of organic matter like compost. The ideal pH for the soil is slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.0 to 7.0. To create the best soil mix, combine two parts garden soil, one part peat moss or compost, and one part sand or perlite to ensure proper drainage.
RepottingNew England Ast 'Septemberrubin' does not typically require frequent repotting as it is mainly grown as a perennial outdoor plant. In a garden setting, division and replanting for rejuvenation or propagation purposes can be done every 3 to 4 years to maintain plant vigor.
Humidity & MistingNew England Aster 'Septemberrubin' is adaptable to a wide range of humidity levels but does best with moderate humidity typical of outdoor conditions. It is not particularly sensitive to humidity when planted in the ground outside.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Requires bright light, good airflow and consistent watering.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, moderate water, fertile well-drained soil.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleThe New England Aster 'Septemberrubin' starts its life as a germinating seed, typically in the spring, when soil temperatures warm. The plant then enters a vegetative growth stage where it develops a rosette of leaves close to the ground. As it matures, it grows taller stems and produces more foliage, later developing flower buds in late summer. By September, the aster bursts into bloom with vibrant maroon to deep pink flowers that remain until the first hard frost. After blooming, it sets seed, which are dispersed by wind or wildlife. Finally, the aster enters dormancy through the winter, with its roots surviving until the next spring to restart the cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Late summer to early autumn
When it comes to propagating the New England aster, also known as Symphyotrichum novae-angliae 'Septemberrubin', division is the most popular method. This method is typically done in the spring, just as new growth appears, or in the early fall. To propagate by division, the gardener should carefully dig up an established clump of the aster and then gently tease apart or cut the clump into smaller sections, each with a good amount of roots and shoots. These new sections can then be replanted into well-prepared soil, spaced about 1 to 3 feet apart (approximately 30 to 90 centimeters), to give each new plant room to grow. Proper watering after replanting will help the divisions establish more quickly.
