aster
Aster frikartii 'Flora's Delight'
Overview
Aster frikartii 'Flora's Delight' is truly amazing! Its bright magenta and pale pink flowers against dark green leaves are stunning blooms in any garden. This beautiful flower can grow in full sun to partial shade, and is great for filling beds or borders. It is drought tolerant and is an easy plant to look after, as it is rather low-maintenance. Its strong stems make it a wonderful cut flower, and it is resistant to both pests and deer. Planted in the right conditions, 'Flora's Delight' can bloom continuously from June all the way through October. It is easy to see why this plant is such a delight in any garden!
Care Guide
Watering
Aster plants should be watered when soil is dry to the touch. Generally, they require about 1 - 2 inches of water every week. During the summer, aster plants should be watered more frequently to keep the soil slightly moist but not soggy. Water thoroughly, making sure to penetrate the entire root zone and make sure to let the soil dry out slightly in between waterings.
Light
Aster (Aster frikartii 'Flora's Delight') requires a full sun exposure of at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day for optimal growth and flower production. Plant the Aster in a location where it will receive a minimum of 6 hours of direct sunlight each day from about 10 am to 4 pm. This plant does not thrive in shade; it needs full sun in order to bloom abundantly and to prevent the foliage from becoming leggy and sparse.
Temperature
Hardiness zone 5-8.
Pruning
Aster (Aster frikartii 'Flora's Delight') should be pruned during late winter or early spring. For pruning, remove any dead, damaged, or diseased stems and buds. Then cut back the remaining stems to 12 to 18 inches. If the size of the plant is smaller than desired and branching is desired, cut back by 1-third of the existing height. Prune away any branches that cross or rub against 1 another. This will help improve air circulation and discourage pests and diseases. Finally, shape the plant by cutting back stems that extend away from the main plant structure. For best results, aim for a symmetrical shape.
Propagation
Division, Cutting, Layering Propagation, Seed Propagation, Grafting Propagation
Uses & Symbolism
Attracts: Butterflies.
Related plants
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