Scientific Name
Aster tataricus L.f.
Common Name(s)
Tatarian Aster, Tartarian Aster, Tatarian Daisy, Tatarinow's Aster
Synonym(s)
Aster fauriei, Aster nakaii, Aster rhomboideus, Aster tataricus var. tataricus
Scientific Classification
Family: Asteraceae
Tribe: Astereae
Genus: Aster
Flower
Color: Deep lavender to blue rays and yellow centers
Bloom Time: Autumn
Description
Aster tataricus is an impressive stately perennial with a flowering height of up to 6 feet (1.8 m). Distinctive paddle-shaped lower leaves are up to 24 inches (60 cm) long and 6 inches (15 cm) wide, but leaves are significantly smaller in size higher up on the plant.
Small but abundant flowers, up to 1 inch (2.5 cm) across, with deep lavender to blue rays and yellow centers, appear in flat-topped clusters infall.
How to Grow and Care
Divide mature plants in spring, just as the new shoots begin to grow. This should be done every few years to avoid the crowding of plants.
Like many other flowering plants, deadhead (cut back spent flowers) make room for newer blossoms. This will extend the health and flowering of your plants. Be sure to deadhead early on in the blooming season. Blooming will be reduced if done too late. This will also restrain unwanted reseeding, which will cause plant overcrowding.
Remember, Asters are prone to mildew, so be careful to plant them in areas with good circulation and sun exposure.
As with other flowering plants, do not allow water to saturate leaves. Be sure to water at the plant's roots to prevent mildew and mold. Drip irrigation and the utilization of a soaker hose work very well in watering these plants.
See more at How to Grow and Care for Aster.
Origin
Aster tataricus is native to southern Siberia, northern China, Mongolia, Korea, and Japan, where it grows in meadows and wetlands.
Links
- Back to genus Aster
- Plantpedia: Browse flowering plants by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, or Origin
Photo Gallery
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