New England Aster Symphyotrichum novae-angliae 'Violetta'
ABOUT
The plant known as New England aster 'Violetta' boasts a stunning display of vibrant purple flowers, which are a defining characteristic that captivates gardeners and onlookers alike. The flowers are composed of a densely packed array of delicate, narrow petals radiating around a central disc, which is typically yellow, creating a striking contrast against the purple petals. These blossoms are prolific and often appear in clusters, providing a profusion of color that adds a vibrant touch to any garden setting. The foliage of this plant is equally attractive, with leaves that exhibit a deep green color and a lance-shaped appearance. They are arranged alternately along the plant’s sturdy stems, which tend to be robust and capable of supporting the weight of the abundant blooms without the need for staking, under normal conditions. The overall shape of the plant is mounded to slightly upright, and its dense growth habit creates a lush, bushy appearance. It is a perennial favorite not only for its aesthetic value but also for its ability to attract butterflies and other pollinators to the garden, playing an important role in the local ecosystem. New England aster 'Violetta' is appreciated for its late-season bloom, adding color to gardens at a time when many other plants are beginning to wind down for the year. Its rich purples and hearty foliage offer a final flourish of warmth before the arrival of cooler weather.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
New England Aster, Hairy Michaelmas Daisy, Michaelmas Daisy
Common names
Aster novae-angliae 'Violetta', Aster novae-angliae var. rosea, Aster novae-angliae L.
ToxicityTo humans
The New England Aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae 'Violetta') is generally not considered toxic to humans. Ingesting parts of the plant is not known to cause serious poisoning or symptoms. However, it's always best to avoid consuming any plant parts unless they are known to be edible, as individual sensitivities can vary.
To pets
For pets, the New England Aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae 'Violetta') is also not recognized as a toxic plant. It is unlikely to cause significant symptoms of poisoning if ingested by pets such as cats and dogs. Nonetheless, as with humans, individual animals may have different sensitivities, and consuming non-food plants can sometimes lead to gastrointestinal discomfort or allergic reactions.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Violet
Height
3 feet (91 cm)
Spread
2 feet (61 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3-8
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal - Symphyotrichum novae-angliae 'Violetta', commonly known as New England aster, produces deep purple flowers that add vibrant color to gardens and landscapes in the fall.
- Pollinator Support - It serves as an important nectar source for bees, butterflies and other pollinating insects during late summer and autumn, supporting biodiversity.
- Drought Resistance - Once established, New England aster is quite drought tolerant, making it a practical choice for low-water gardens.
- Low Maintenance - It is considered to be low maintenance, requiring minimal care once planted and established in an appropriate setting.
- Hardiness - This plant is known for its ability to withstand cold temperatures, thriving in USDA hardiness zones 3 through 8.
- Native Species Conservation - As a native to North America, it supports local ecosystems and helps to maintain regional biodiversity.
- Soil Erosion Control - Its dense growth habit can help to control soil erosion.
- Wildlife Habitat - Provides shelter and food for various wildlife species, especially as a host plant for certain butterflies and moths.
- Easy Propagation - Can be easily propagated from seeds or division, allowing gardeners to create more plants for their landscapes or share with others.
- Cutting Gardens - Its stems are sturdy and its flowers long-lasting when cut, making it an excellent choice for fresh floral arrangements.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Photography Projects: The vibrant purple colored flowers of the New England aster can serve as an excellent subject for macro photography, creating stunning and detailed images.
- Dye Production: Its petals can be used to create natural dyes for textiles, offering a range of purple and lavender hues to fabrics.
- Fall Celebrations: The plant can be incorporated into autumnal festival decorations, such as for Thanksgiving centerpieces or Halloween bouquets due to its peak blooming season.
- Educational Resource: Botany students and hobbyists can study the New England aster's growth patterns and reproductive processes as it is a classic example of a perennial plant in temperate regions.
- Landscape Design: Gardeners may use New England aster in perennial border designs due to its height and color, providing a backdrop for shorter plants in the garden composition.
- Artistic Inspiration: Artists can use the striking appearance of New England aster 'Violetta' as a muse for paintings, drawings, and other forms of artwork.
- Culinary Garnish: Although not widely known for its culinary uses, the flowers could potentially be used as an edible garnish to add color to salads or desserts, if confirmed safe and non-toxic.
- Crafting Material: Dried flowers of the New England aster can be used in crafting, such as in making potpourri or pressed flower arrangements.
- Wildlife Attraction: The plant serves as a late food source for pollinators, so incorporating it into wildlife gardens can support local bee, butterfly, and bird populations.
- Seasonal Indicators: The blooming period of the New England aster can be used by naturalists to track the change of seasons and phenological events within an ecosystem.
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- Strength and Resilience: Symphyotrichum novae-angliae, commonly known as the New England Aster, often symbolizes strength and resilience due to its ability to withstand the cold as it blooms into the fall.
- Patience: This plant has a late bloom, which can be associated with patience and the reward of beauty for those who wait.
- Elegance: With its striking purple flowers, 'Violetta' suggests a sense of elegance and grace.
- Devotion: Historically, asters were considered emblems of love and symbolized daintiness, which 'Violetta', a variety with deep purple flowers, can also represent.
- Wisdom: In some folklore, asters are associated with wisdom. The rich color of 'Violetta' could stand for a deep or thoughtful wisdom.
- Remembrance: Asters are also known to symbolize remembrance, making 'Violetta' a potential means to honor memories.
WaterThe New England Aster 'Violetta' should be watered deeply when the top one inch of soil feels dry to the touch, typically once a week during active growth seasons, depending on weather conditions. The method involves watering at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage, which can lead to fungal diseases. In terms of the amount, provide about 1 gallon of water per square foot of soil, ensuring even moisture penetration. During the hotter summer months, you might need to water more frequently, while during the fall and dormancy periods, reduce the frequency. Always adjust your watering schedule based on rainfall and temperature variations to avoid overwatering or underwatering.
LightThe New England Aster 'Violetta' requires full sun to part shade conditions for optimal growth, with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. The best spot for this perennial is in an area that receives morning sunlight and some afternoon shade, especially in hotter climates, to protect the plant from the intense afternoon heat. Avoid deep shade areas, as insufficient light can lead to weak stems and fewer flowers.
TemperatureThe New England Aster 'Violetta' can survive in temperatures ranging from a winter low of about 20°F to a summer high around 90°F. However, the ideal growing conditions for this native perennial typically fall between 60°F and 75°F. It's hardy to USDA Zone 4, meaning it can withstand cold winters, but prolonged temperatures below the minimum can damage or kill the plant.
PruningThe New England Aster 'Violetta' benefits from pruning to encourage bushier growth, promote more blooms, and maintain plant health. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to stimulate new blooms. In late winter or early spring, prune back the entire plant to about 4-6 inches above the ground to help rejuvenate and shape it for the upcoming season. Additionally, you can perform light pruning throughout the growing season to remove any damaged or diseased stems.
CleaningAs needed
SoilNew England Aster 'Violetta' thrives in well-draining soil enriched with organic matter. The ideal pH for this plant ranges from slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0 to 7.0). A mix containing loamy garden soil, compost, and peat or leaf mold can promote healthy growth. Regular mulching helps maintain moisture and soil fertility.
RepottingNew England Aster 'Violetta' is typically grown as a perennial in gardens, so repotting is not applicable. Instead, divide the plant every 2-3 years to maintain its vigor and to manage its spreading habit.
Humidity & MistingNew England Aster 'Violetta' does well in average outdoor humidity levels and does not require specific humidity adjustments. They are adaptable to the natural humidity found in most temperate regions and do not demand high humidity environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright light, moderate watering.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, well-drained soil.
Hardiness zone
3-8 USDA
Life cycleSymphyotrichum novae-angliae 'Violetta', commonly known as New England aster 'Violetta', begins its life cycle with germination, typically in early spring, when its seeds sprout in moist, well-drained soil. Juvenile growth follows, where the plant develops its root system and vegetative growth, forming a rosette of leaves on the ground. As the plant matures, it enters the vegetative stage where stems elongate, and the New England aster 'Violetta' forms a bushy structure with multiple leaves and branches. Flowering occurs in late summer to fall, with the plant bearing numerous vibrant violet-purple flowers that attract pollinators like bees and butterflies. After pollination, seeds develop and are dispersed by wind, animals, or human activity to complete the reproductive cycle. Finally, as a perennial plant, it enters a period of dormancy during the winter months, dying back to the ground level before resuming growth the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Late Summer
The most popular method of propagation for the New England Aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae 'Violetta') is through division. This is best done in the springtime once the plant has begun to grow and you can see the new shoots. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the plant and use a sharp shovel or knife to divide the root ball into sections, ensuring that each section has at least a couple of shoots and a portion of the root system. After dividing, replant the sections promptly, maintaining the same depth they were growing at before. Water the new plants thoroughly to help establish them. This method is quick and usually very successful, promoting healthy, vigorous new plants that will start to flower in the same year.
