Aster is one of the most popular plants in garden design, which pleases the eye with its bright and diverse colours. This perennial or annual plant belongs to the Asteraceae (or compound-flowered) family and has more than 200 species. Asters are ideal for creating flower beds, rock gardens, borders and other garden compositions. Let’s look at the types of asters, their use in landscape design, as well as the conditions necessary for their successful growth.
Types of Aster:
There are many types of asters, which differ in flowering time, height and colour of flowers. The most popular types are:
New England Aster (Aster novae-angliae): this is a tall plant, reaching 1 – 2 metres in height. It blooms in August – September, and forms large inflorescences of various shades, from purple to white. It is often used in mixed plantings and as an accent in flower beds.
Alpine Aster (Aster alpinus): a low-growing plant, up to 30 cm. tall. It blooms in May – June, forming bright flowers of blue, pink and white flowers. It is ideal for rock gardens.
Chinese Aster (Callistephus chinensis): a hybrid form, combining the best qualities of different species It is an annual plant that reaches a height of up to 80 cm. It blooms from July to the frosts, and has a variety of shapes and colours. It is often used to create seasonal flower beds and bouquets.
Garden Aster (Aster x frikartii): a hybrid form, combining the best qualities of different species. It blooms from August to October and is resistant to diseases and adverse conditions.
Application in Garden Design:
Asters can be used in various styles of landscape design:
Mixed Flower Beds: asters are perfectly combined with other flowers such as rudbeckia, echinacea and sage. They create bright accents and enliven the composition.
Kerbs and Pathways: low-growing aster species are ideal for creating kerbs and framing paths.
Rock Gardens: the alpine aster, with its compact size and bright colours, fits perfectly into rock gardens.
Containers: annual asters can be planted in pots and containers, creating beautiful accents on terraces and balconies.
Growing Conditions:
Asters are quite unpretentious plants, but for their successful growth, several conditions must be taken into account:
Light: asters prefer sunny places, although some species can grow in partial shade. Good lighting promotes abundant flowering.
Soil: asters prefer loose, fertile soils with good drainage. They do not tolerate the stagnation of water, so it is important to avoid waterlogging.
Watering: regular watering is necessary, especially in dry weather, but excessive moisture should not be allowed.
Fertilisers: fertilising with complex fertilisers in spring and during the flowering period will help provide plants with the necessary nutrients.
Pruning: to prolong flowering, it is recommended to prune wilted flowers and perform formative pruning as needed.
Conclusion:
Asters are versatile and vibrant plants that can become a real highlight of your garden. Their variety of types and shapes allows the use of asters in multiple styles and compositions of landscape design. Given the conditions of their growth and care features, you can create a beautiful flower garden that will delight you with its flowering for a long time.
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