New Belgian aster: description of varieties Marie Ballard, Sunset, White ladies, Oktoberfest and other types of September + photo

Variety of species

There are more than a thousand species of asters, a third of which are actively used for planting in country beds. Particular attention should be paid to such a variety as the New Belgian aster. Its second name is virgin aster. The main characteristics of the plant:

• no need to plant every year – it is a perennial plant;
• the height of the bush is usually in the range of 60–140 cm;
• stems are thin and closely spaced;
• the leaves are glossy, dark green, have an elongated shape, reach a length of 12 cm;
• flowers are located along the entire length of the branches, have a diameter of 2–4 cm;
• flowers are lilac, pink or white;
• the number of flowers can reach 200 pieces, depending on the age of the plant;
• flowering can occur from July to September, the aster variety plays an important role;
• the plant is resistant to frost down to -5 °C.

The most famous types of New Belgian aster:

1. Marie Ballard. The height of the bush reaches 90 cm, has straight stems, flowering occurs in autumn, lasts up to one and a half months. The flowers are usually white and yellow, and their diameter is in the range of 5–8 cm.
2. Sunset. The height of the bush reaches 120 cm, the stems branch. The plant blooms in early autumn. Flowering lasts 1,5–2 months. The flowers usually have a yellow center and a soft purple frame with a touch of pink. The name is directly related to such a coloring, reminiscent of a sunset.
3. white ladies. The height of the plant is about 100 cm, the flowers have a yellow center and white petals, their diameter reaches 2-3 cm. This variety is the most resistant to frost, it begins to bloom from September until the onset of frost.
4. Oktoberfest. The height of the plant reaches 100 cm, the bush is spreading, flowering lasts about a month. The flowers are semi-double, have a blue color and reach up to 4 cm in diameter.
5. Amethyst. The bush has a height of up to 120 cm, the branches are located close to each other, flowering lasts from August until the onset of cold weather. The leaves reach a length of 12 cm, the flowers are bright – purple with a yellow center, up to 3,5 cm in diameter.

Video “How to propagate and replant the New Belgian aster”

From this video you will learn how to properly propagate and replant the New Belgian aster.

Registration of flower beds

Types of New Belgian aster are well suited for decorating your site, grow quickly and take the form of a ball.

Most often asters are used:

• in hedges;
• in the formation of green sculptures;
• when arranging an alpine hill;
• when drawing up a drawing on a flower bed;
• for planting in pots and planters;
• when making bouquets.

Asters attract gardeners with their bright and long flowering, unpretentiousness and variety of species.

Growing rules

The considered variety of asters is not capricious, but it is recommended to comply with the following conditions:

1. Land preferably in areas with good lighting. If the flower bed will fall into the shade for several hours a day, this is not a reason to abandon the chosen place.
2. Pay special attention to the soil, which must be dry.
3. From drafts, as well as from the shade, the plant must be protected.

If these conditions are not met, the bush will grow with fewer flowers and brittle branches.

How to plant

To plant a New Belgian aster, you can use one of the following methods:

1. Reckless. Gardeners rarely resort to it due to the fact that the seeds germinate for a long time. In addition, only species asters are subject to such reproduction. Before sowing, the seeds are additionally prepared: they are dipped in warm water for a day, and then placed in the refrigerator for a week. Seeds are sown in open ground, laying in holes 6–7 mm deep. Expect flowering of such an aster no earlier than in 2 years.
2. Seedling. The preparatory work is carried out the same as with the seedless method. Pots for seedlings need to be filled with a mixture that should contain peat, sand, humus and soil (preferably fertile). After planting, the pots should be placed in a warm and lit place. As soon as the first leaves appear, we dive the plant and place it in coolness so that the temperature is not higher than +15 ° C. It will be possible to transfer seedlings after frosts end.
3. The division of the bush. The most convenient way to breed asters. It is desirable to start dividing in the spring, when young shoots only appear. The bushes are dug up and separated by something sharp into pieces. Pay special attention to the fact that each piece should have at least 5 shoots.
4. Cuttings. Suitable for breeding varietal asters. It can be accessed from May to August. The cuttings are the tops of the stems, their length should be in the range of 5-8 cm. The soil should contain peat, sand and fertile soil so that the cuttings can be planted in it. After being placed in the ground, the cuttings must be watered and covered with either a film or plastic bottles. After a month, they can be moved.

Watering, fertilizer

The New Belgian aster should not be flooded – excessive watering is harmful to it. If the season turned out to be rainy, we advise you not to water the plant at all. In hot weather, watering should be rare and plentiful, and the water should be warm.

You can feed the bush three times during the season:

• two weeks after planting;
• simultaneously with the formation of buds;
• as soon as the bush blooms.

For fertilizer, it is recommended to use potassium sulfate and superphosphate.

Protection against diseases and pests

Like any other plant, asters are susceptible to disease and pest attacks.

The most common diseases are:

1. Powdery mildew. The appearance of white plaque on the stems and leaves. Fungicides are used to fight.
2. Rust. It is characterized by the formation of a growth. The means of struggle is Bordeaux liquid.
3. Jaundice. With this disease, the leaves of the plant turn yellow, flowering stops. Jaundice can be treated with insecticides.

The plant can attack:

• aphid;
• spider mite;
• scoop;
• earwig.

In the fight against insects, it is important to hill the flower beds in a timely manner.

Preparation for winter

Most types of New Belgian aster are resistant to frost, but there are those that are harmed by low temperatures. To prevent the death of plants, you need to cut dry branches, and cover the soil with peat. With the advent of spring, this layer must be removed, and the earth spud.