by Lydia Holley November 25, 2024
Fall’s arrival brings rain, unsettled weather, cool nights, and blooming asters. The Asteraceae family is a large one. It includes cosmos, chrysanthemum, daisies, marigolds, sunflowers, and zinnias, among others. You can see the family resemblance in these plants’ mutli-petaled blooms surrounding their button-type heads.
Asters are versatile. Most like sun, but you can find some that prefer shade. Most are drought tolerant, but there are some that like moist conditions. Some are short. Others are tall. Many bloom purple, but they also come in white, pink, or blue. Some will bloom for a few weeks, others for a few months.
Bees and butterflies appreciate the nectar. Birds appreciate the seeds. Because they can bloom on tall stems or in low mounds, asters are at home in almost any type of garden, from formal to cottage, and can be put along the front edge or in the back of the bed.
Grow asters with other fall-blooming plants such as dahlias, ornamental grasses, sages, salvias, sedums, and ornamental solidagos. Or plant around berry-producing trees or shrubs for a fabulous fall display. If space is limited, look to add asters around summer-flowering plants that continue blooming until frost such as Brazilian verbena, globe amaranth, lantana, roses, or sunflowers.
Asters can also be grow in containers, so if you are wanting something a little different from the upside-down bowl-type look of mums, consider growing asters instead. Although asters require little maintenance, you may cut them back by half in summer for a shorter, denser look.
Once you begin growing asters in your garden, autumn may become your favorite time of the year. If not, at least asters will give you something to look forward to along with cooler weather.
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