New York Aster 'Alice Haslam' Symphyotrichum novi-belgii 'Alice Haslam'
ABOUT
A compact, spreading deciduous perennial with slim branches of lance-shaped mid green leaves. Large red to pink single daisy-like flowers are produced from summer until mid autumn.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
New York Aster, Michaelmas Daisy
Common names
Aster novi-belgii 'Alice Haslam', Aster novi-belgii var. litoreus 'Alice Haslam', Aster lanceolatus subsp. novi-belgii 'Alice Haslam'.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
3 feet (0.91 meters)
Spread
2 feet (0.61 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Wildlife: Symphyotrichum novi-belgii 'Alice Haslam', commonly known as New York Aster, attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies, enhancing local biodiversity.
- Visual Interest: With its vibrant pink to rosy-red flowers, it adds a splash of color to gardens, particularly during its flowering season in late summer to fall.
- Ease of Care: New York Aster is known for being low-maintenance, which is great for gardeners looking for plants that do not require extensive care.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it is relatively drought-resistant, making it suitable for gardens with less frequent watering.
- Versatility: It can be used in a variety of garden settings such as borders, wildflower gardens, or as a part of a perennial plant bed.
- Winter Interest: After flowering, the seed heads can provide visual interest in the garden during the winter months.
Medical Properties- This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Aster 'Alice Haslam' can be used in dye production, as certain plant parts may contain pigments that can be processed to create natural dyes for textiles.
- The flowers from the aster can be pressed and included in craft projects such as floral papermaking or in creating natural decorative features in handmade paper products.
- These plants can serve as a natural pest deterrent in gardens due to their aroma, potentially repelling specific insects or animals when interspersed with vegetable crops.
- Asters 'Alice Haslam' can be used in educational settings, such as schools or botanical gardens, to demonstrate plant life cycles and pollination processes to students or visitors.
- The long stems of the aster can be used in basket weaving as a decorative element providing texture and color when dried properly.
- The petals of the aster can be used to create eco-friendly confetti for events like weddings and parties, offering an alternative to synthetic confetti.
- During fall, aster branches can be used as natural decorations, either standalone or as part of wreaths and floral arrangements celebrating the season.
- Aster 'Alice Haslam' plants can be cultivated for their role in supporting bee populations by providing nectar during late summer and fall when other food sources are scarce.
- These plants can be used in photography or painting, serving as an inspiring subject for artists and photographers with their vibrant colors and interesting textures.
- The plant can be integrated into mindfulness and meditation gardens, where their vibrant blossoms can contribute to a soothing and contemplative environment.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe New York aster is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe New York aster is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- New Beginnings: The Symphyotrichum novi-belgii 'Alice Haslam', commonly known as the New York aster, often symbolizes new beginnings due to its role in the natural rejuvenation of landscapes after a harsh season.
- Patience: As a perennial that blooms reliably year after year, the New York aster represents patience and the rewards of waiting for the right time.
- Cherishing the Moment: The blooming period of asters is brief but vibrant, prompting the reminder to cherish the present moment.
- Elegance and Daintiness: With its delicate petals and graceful appearance, the New York aster is often associated with elegance and a dainty nature.
- Memory: Asters are traditionally used in gardens of remembrance, making the New York aster a symbol of memory and holding onto cherished moments or loved ones.
- Feminine Energy: Because of traditional associations with Venus, the goddess of love, and its delicate beauty, the New York aster is linked to femininity and feminine energy.
- Variety and Diversity: Given the wide range of colors and forms in the aster family, the New York aster also embodies the beauty of diversity and variety.
WaterNew York asters like Symphyotrichum novi-belgii 'Alice Haslam' should be watered consistently, especially during their blooming season, to keep the soil evenly moist. Aim to water them deeply rather than superficially to encourage strong root development. This generally means supplying about one inch of water per week, through rainfall or irrigation, which translates to approximately 0.623 gallons per square yard of soil. During hot, dry spells, additional watering may be necessary to prevent the soil from drying out. Cut back on watering in late autumn as the plant prepares for dormancy.
LightNew York asters, such as Symphyotrichum novi-belgii 'Alice Haslam', thrive best in full sun conditions, meaning they should receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. A spot in the garden that provides ample morning light and protection from the intense heat of late afternoon sun is ideal, especially in areas with very hot summer temperatures.
TemperatureNew York aster 'Alice Haslam' grows best in temperatures between 60°F and 75°F. It can tolerate a minimum temperature down to about 20°F and a maximum temperature up to 90°F. It is a sturdy plant that endures typical fluctuations in temperature throughout the growing season, but extreme heat or frost can be detrimental.
PruningNew York aster 'Alice Haslam' benefits from pruning to encourage bushier growth and more blooms. Pinch back the tips in late spring, removing about one third of the growth. After blooming, cut back the stems to ground level to maintain tidiness and help control diseases. The best time for major pruning is in late winter or early spring before new growth starts.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe New York aster 'Alice Haslam' thrives best in well-draining soil with a mix of loam, peat, and perlite or sand. The ideal soil pH for this aster variety is between 5.8 and 6.5 to promote healthy growth and flowering.
RepottingNew York aster 'Alice Haslam' generally does not need frequent repotting and should be repotted only when it becomes root-bound, typically every 2-3 years.
Humidity & MistingNew York aster 'Alice Haslam' is tolerant of a wide range of humidity levels and does not require high humidity; average room humidity is suitable for this plant.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright indirect light, keep soil moist.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, ensure well-drained soil.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleSymphyotrichum novi-belgii 'Alice Haslam', commonly known as the New York aster 'Alice Haslam', begins its life cycle as a seed, which germinates in moist soil conditions during spring. Seedlings then grow into vegetative plants through the summer, developing a root system and foliage. As a perennial, the plant enters a vegetative rest period during the winter months, surviving as rootstock or through rosettes of leaves close to the ground while top growth dies back. With the return of warmer temperatures in spring, it resumes growth from the rootstock, developing new shoots that will bear leaves and eventually flowers. In late summer to fall, 'Alice Haslam' reaches the flowering stage, producing vibrant, deep pink to red flowers that attract pollinators and set seeds for reproduction. After flowering and seed set, the plant again enters dormancy for the winter, completing its annual life cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Late summer to early autumn
Symphyotrichum novi-belgii 'Alice Haslam', commonly known as New York Aster 'Alice Haslam', is typically propagated by division, which is the most popular method for this plant. The optimal time for division is in the early spring or after the flowering period in the fall. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the entire plant, making sure to preserve as much of the root system as possible. Using a sharp spade or knife, the root ball is then divided into smaller sections, each with a fair amount of roots and several shoots. Replant the divisions at the same depth they were growing previously, spacing them about 12 to 18 inches (approximately 30 to 45 centimeters) apart to give them enough space to grow. Water the new plantings thoroughly to help establish the root systems. This method is effective because it helps manage the size of the plant, rejuvenates older clumps, and allows gardeners to multiply their stock of the aster.
