Aster alpinus (Alpine Aster)
Fully frost hardy, Aster alpinus (Alpine Aster) is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial boasting masses of large daisy-like flowers, 2 in. across (5 cm), with blue-violet rays and golden-yellow centers. Blooming in late spring to mid-summer, the eye-catching blossoms are attractive to butterflies. Borne on slender stems, their gentle color blends with almost any other color in the garden.
Fully frost hardy, Aster alpinus (Alpine Aster) is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial boasting masses of large daisy-like flowers, 2 in. across (5 cm), with blue-violet rays and golden-yellow centers. Blooming in late spring to mid-summer, the eye-catching blossoms are attractive to butterflies. Borne on slender stems, their gentle color blends with almost any other color in the garden. The foliage of narrow dark green leaves is handsome all season. Slowly spreading, with a neat and compact habit, Alpine Aster is great for sunny border fronts, rock gardens, or large patio containers.
- Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society.
- Grows up to 6-12 in. tall and wide (15-30 cm).
- Thrives in full sun in moderately fertile, medium moisture, well-drained soils. Tolerates light shade. Drought and rocky soil tolerant.
- Great for beds and borders, city gardens, cottage gardens, rock gardens, and banks and slopes.
- No serious pest or disease issues. Keep an eye out for slugs, snails, leaf and bud eelworms, aphids, wilts, leaf spots, and gray molds.
- Cut back after flowering.
- Propagate by seed in pots in a cold frame in spring or autumn or propagate by division in spring.
- Native to Europe, North America, and Temperate Asia.
Requirements
| Hardiness | 4 – 8 |
|---|---|
| Heat Zones | 1 – 8 |
| Plant Type | Perennials |
| Plant Family | Aster |
| Exposure | Full Sun |
| Season of Interest | Spring (Late)Summer (Early,Mid) |
| Height | 6" – 1' (15cm – 30cm) |
| Spread | 6" – 1' (15cm – 30cm) |
| Spacing | 12″ (30cm) |
| Water Needs | Low, Average |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Soil Type | Chalk, Loam, Sand |
| Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
| Characteristics | Plant of Merit, Showy |
| Native Plants | United States, Alaska, Rocky Mountains, Colorado |
| Tolerance | Deer, Drought, Rocky Soil |
| Attracts | Butterflies |
| Garden Uses | Banks and Slopes, Beds and Borders, Patio and Containers |
| Garden Styles | City and Courtyard, Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage |