Michaelmas Daisy, New York Aster
Aster novi-belgii
Family: Asteraceae or Compositae
What it is like
Bloom Color: Blue, Lavender. Main Bloom Time: Early fall, Late summer, Mid fall. Form: Upright or erect.
Aster novi-belgii is a PERENNIAL growing to 1.2 m (4ft) by 1 m (3ft 3in) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 2. It is in flower from September to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, flies, beetles, Lepidoptera (Moths & Butterflies). The plant is self-fertile. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 1.2
Where it is found
Damp thickets, meadows and shores, usually within 100 miles of the sea.
Eastern N. America. Naturalized in Britain.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 0
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating: 2
Landscape Uses: Woodland Garded;Border, Rock garden, Seashore. A forest garden plant that can be grown in dappled shade. Attracts wildlife.
Attracts Wildlife: Plants noted for attracting wildlife
Food Forest: Plants for Edible Forest Gardens and Food Forests.
How it is grown
Succeeds in most good garden soils, preferring one that is well-drained and moisture retentive. Prefers a sunny position, but it also succeeds in partial shade. Prefers a rich soil, but tolerates poor ones. Plants are hardy to about -25°c. A polymorphic species, there are many named varieties selected for their ornamental value. Hybridizes freely with other members of this genus. Plants need to be divided every few years, preferably in the spring, in order to keep the plant vigorous. Most species in this genus seem to be immune to the predations of rabbits. Attracts butterflies and moths, it is also a good bee plant providing nectar in autumn. Special Features: Attracts birds, Naturalizing, Attracts butterflies, Suitable for cut flowers.
Propagating it: Seed - surface sow in spring in a cold frame. Do not allow the compost to become dry. Pre-chilling the seed for two weeks can improve germination rates. Germination usually takes place within 2 weeks at 20°c. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer. Division in spring or autumn. Very easy, larger divisions can be planted straight into their permanent positions whist smaller clumps are best potted up and kept in a cold frame until they are growing away well. Basal cuttings in late spring. Harvest the shoots when they are about 10 - 15cm long with plenty of underground stem. Pot them up into individual pots and keep them in light shade in a cold frame or greenhouse until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the summer.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Meadow; Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness: 4-8
Growth: Medium
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Moist