With over 170 members of the aster family, this dynasty of plants, named after their star-shaped flower heads, provide one of the most popular displays of colour in long borders during late summer months.
While I never tire of sharing the history of our illustrious Astor family (creators of the wonderful gardens at Hever Castle), you’ll also find me waxing lyrical about asters in September.
These perennial plants attract butterflies, bees and wonderful comments from our visitors, and we have them planted through Faith’s Garden and also the Long Border, where you’ll find butterflies busying themselves late into September!
If you are looking to invest in a family of flowers this summer, then the aster is incredibly versatile and grows in most soil types except very heavy clay. With distinctly colourful flowers and different varieties, from 20cm high plants to two metre high specimens, these plants provide displays of late summer and autumn colour.
The aster is a fantastic choice for a long border, and if you’re growing prairie-style planting they are a colourful addition. The smaller varieties can be grown in rock gardens.
Asters enjoy full sun, but will grow in partial shade. They don’t need to be fed but they do like water! When we have prolonged spells of sunshine, keep an eye on them and ensure that their roots are moist. You don’t want the plants to be waterlogged, because they can suffer from a variety of mould, but you do want them to remain hydrated.
One of the great things about the aster is its hardiness: most will survive down to temperatures of -20°C.
If you’re looking for a plant that keeps on giving then asters provide great value and in March can be lifted and split, divided and replanted throughout your borders.
How to split:
- Asters are prolific and can be split every 3 to 5 years.
- It’s important to select a plant that’s had a vigorous growing year.
- Gently dig around the plant, loosening the earth and then lift.
- Inspect the root system and check that it’s healthy.
- Using a sharp garden knife, or the blade of a clean garden spade, split the plant and divide it into healthy sized clumps.
- Don’t worry if some roots get damaged in the process. Plants don’t always need all of their roots, so if some drop off in the move, don’t panic.
- Ensure that you water your new aster plant and the original parent when they’re replaced in the earth.
Dye Garden update
Next month, during Autumn Colour at Hever Castle & Gardens, our team member Felix Green will be providing tips on growing for a dye garden. Asters are fantastic for dying: mordanted with chrome, they will provide a light greenish-yellow with good colour fastness. They can be used to dye wool or for hand painting silks.
If you want to learn more about Felix’s workshops and the Autumn Colour workshops, check out hevercastle.co.uk.
