Re: Aster problems/ now different Asters
Hello Susan & others talking Asters,
I think the trick to Asters, especially the natives, is to remember
where they come from and why they are there in nature. Asters are woody
plants that carry the woodland edge out into fields and get things ready for
shrubs to be followed by small trees and finally the forest. It is in their
very nature to get around by seed and to spread by stolons. Give these
babies any encouragement in the form of decent soil and moisture and they
will reward you by growing very well, indeed.
To keep a handle on the natives, pinch them back to keep the height down
a bit and increase fullness in foliage and blooms. Also help with the
tendency of some of the taller ones to flop over. When those clumps begin to
spread beyond set limits, ruthlessly root prune and dig out the excess.
Deadhead to keep them from spreading around where you do not want them. This
is not much more than one ordinarily does with other perennials.
Asters are some of my favorite summer and fall bloomers and well worth
the small efforts to control them. If you do not have room for the larger
ones there are the dwarf that Susan mentions. She noted Purple Dome and I
have had that one for a couple of years now. Really too soon to say much,
but thus far it has been very well behaved and a good bloomer. Anyone
playing with the "Black Foliage" Asters yet? I have both the Lady in Black
and Prince. These are both the A. lateriflorus selections. Thinking of using
them with the Gold Foliage Blue-Mist Shrub and Eupatorum rugosa Chocolate.
Watering the garden here... takes two full days to do the job, but
getting there.
Gene Bush Southern Indiana Zone 6a Munchkin Nursery
around the woods - around the world
genebush@otherside.com http://www.munchkinnursery.com
----- Original Message -----
From: Saxton, Susan <SSaxton@Schwabe.com>
Sent: Friday, July 16, 1999 12:04 PM
Subject: RE: Aster problems
> Try some different asters. I have 'Monch', about 3' tall, beautiful blue
> with yellow centers in semi-shade. Everyone wants a piece when they see
it.
> I do put a 2' cage around it early spring.
>
> Then there is a darling "dwarf," 'Tiny Tot' which is dark purple and about
> 18", no fencing needed.
>
> The other beautiful, easy one to grow is 'Purple Dome', about 18" as well.
> These multiply soon too, so there is plenty to share in no time.
>
>
> Susan Saxton, zone 6b
>
> For mine is a little old-fashioned garden where the flowers come
> together to praise the Lord and teach all who look upon them to do
> likewise.
> Celia Thaxter
>
> I AM in shape. ROUND is a shape!
>
>
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: Nan Sterman [n*@mindsovermatter.com]
> > Sent: Thursday, July 15, 1999 5:58 PM
> > To: perennials@mallorn.com
> > Subject: Aster problems
> >
> >
> > Does anyone have problems with asters like I do? I bought an
> > aster mail
> > order a few years ago, it was labeled "late blooming aster"
> > and it arrived
> > as a 3" plant. It is now a 8x8 patch that grows at least 8
> > feet tall adn
> > blooms in late summer with light lavendar flowers. As
> > spectacular as it is
> > in flower, the darn thing seeds ands crawls all over the
> > yard. My husband
> > hates it and I am beginning to as well. Do others have this
> > problem? Is
> > it only this aster or is it only my yard? how can I control
> > the monster
> > without completely eliminating it?
> >
> > Thanks
> >
> > Nan
> > **********
> > '''''''''''''''''''''''
> > Nan Sterman
> > San Diego County California
> > Sunset zone 24, USDA hardiness zone 10b or 11
> >
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