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The main feature of mono-bouquets is the skillful combination of plants of the same species. Perennial aster, impressive in the variety of shapes and shades of inflorescences, is ideal for these purposes. She can revive the garden at any time of the year.
Flower features
Perennial plants look great against the background of noble conifers and ornamental shrubs. Undersized asters are more suitable for framing garden paths and discounts. They can decorate window openings in gazebos, terrace roofs and even brides’ hairstyles. It is only necessary to remove the drooping stems in time and spray the flowers with water and lemon juice at least twice a day.
In nature, there are about 600 species of shrub asters. Each of them differs in the structure of the stems, the diameter of the inflorescences and the timing of budding. Autumn asters can be found in the central and southern regions of Our Country. Perennials predominate in the central zone of the country. The main features of these varieties are:
- straight branched stems;
- reed and tubular forms of petals;
- dark green leaves, in harmony with inflorescences of scarlet, purple, pink and blue hues;
- baskets of different diameters (from 2 to 8 cm) – the advantage of the bush aster;
- propagation by seeds and division;
- good resistance to low temperatures.
Early varieties delight with flowering until mid-summer. Late – until the first frost.
Video “Reproduction of perennial aster by dividing the bush”
From this video you will learn how to properly propagate a perennial aster by dividing a bush.
The most popular varieties
The branched bushes of the border aster reach a height of 35–40 cm. The plant is not afraid of frost and develops well in open ground. A characteristic feature of this species are spherical flowers of pink shades.
Alpine
The diameter of flower rosettes varies from 4 to 7 cm. The shape of the petals of the plant resembles a camomile. The only difference is the soft purple hue of the inflorescences, symbolizing repentance and inspiration. The plant blooms from late May to mid-November. Fragrant orange-headed species can brighten the front of the yard.
If you need a low hedge that delimits the recreation and work area in the country, it is better to pay attention to the alpine beauty with blue or pink inflorescences. The list of the most popular varieties is headed by Rosea, Ruber, Superbus and the lord of summer Goliath.
Italian
With a rather strict form of the shrub, the plant stands out favorably against the background of other lush-flowering relatives. It is distinguished by thin pubescent shoots, dense leaves and rather voluminous inflorescences. Shrubs often reach a height of 60 cm, and their dense branching helps maintain neat hemispherical shapes.
Renewal buds in most species are at ground level. Seed ripening occurs from early June until October. In one inflorescence fit from 12 to 15 flowers. Leaves with slightly pointed tops give a special charm to symmetrical bouquets. If you want to create a pyramid-shaped Biedermeier, it is better to use Italian asters with lanceolate leaves. These varieties are Kobold and Rosea.
Bessarabskaya
We are talking about lush shrubs with numerous inflorescences. They reach a height of 75-80 cm, which is especially important for the original design of the front garden or rockery. Flowers with a dark brown center are a feature of the species. These plants are not afraid of temperature changes, so their cultivation is possible in almost any region of the country.
Bessarabian aster coexists well with marigolds, geraniums and phlox. In a bouquet, it can be combined with roses, freesias and alstroemerias. The flowering period lasts several months – from early summer to mid-autumn. With proper care, a long existence of the species in clay pots and hanging planters is possible.
New England
The plant shows good resistance to fungal diseases, so the use of biofungicides is not necessary. Other advantages of this variety include large semi-double inflorescences and strong shoots. The minimum height of the shrub is 120 cm, the maximum height is 190 cm. In both cases, excellent hedges are obtained, with which you can not only hide from the prying eyes of others, but also divide the backyard territory into several functional zones.
spherical
The plant belongs to the group of annuals, so planting is carried out at least 2 times a year. Low bushes up to 50 cm are ideal for decorating garden paths, borders and front gardens. If you need to decorate the area near an artificial fountain, you won’t find a better option.
Strong peduncles 35 to 40 cm long serve as the basis for creating festive bouquets. Lush heads look good against the background of decorative sunflowers, daisies and roses. To decorate banquet halls, it is better to use purple, blue, pink and white asters. In combination with satin ribbons, chiffon bows and rhinestones, they warm up the atmosphere of family happiness and romance.
Terry
Flowering begins in early autumn and lasts until the end of November. With proper care, this period can really be extended until mid-December. A characteristic feature of the variety are fluffy inflorescences and reed form of petals. As for the color of the flowers, they can be red, pink, blue, occasionally yellow and purple.
The plant takes root well in the open field and is ideal for lovers of indoor beauty. Terry asters are propagated mainly by seed. They are undemanding to the place of growth, but develop better in medium loamy soils.
The bushy
A feature of the species is a powerful root system that gives life to numerous shoots. Whole-cut leaves, like an upper decoration, envelop the graceful camp of a luxuriant coquette. Red, but mostly blue flowers are collected in corymbose inflorescences with a diameter of 2–4 cm.
Bush asters are unpretentious in care. Most varieties are not afraid of drought and frost. If we talk about their compatibility with other plants in the front garden, they coexist well with begonias and juniper. Miniature Alice Haslam blooms in spring, while Jenny and Blau Lagoon bloom from June to September.
Rules of landing
Perennial asters do not tolerate high humidity, so they cannot be planted in a lowland. Heat-loving species develop best in sunlit areas. Before landing it is important:
- weed out;
- dig the ground well, reaching a depth of 35 cm;
- treat the wells with a solution of potassium permanganate to prevent the reproduction of insect pests;
- add dolomite flour to the soil, which prevents nitrogen starvation of plants.
Fresh seeds should be applied to open ground in September or late April. As soon as the seedlings get stronger, they can be transplanted to another, now permanent place.
Care
Most perennials are moisture-loving plants. But this does not mean that they need to be watered day and night. The optimal interval between watering is 2-3 weeks, and in conditions of frequent rains – from 25 to 30 days. Asters recommend hilling long before flowering. This is necessary to strengthen the root system. In order for perennials to please with magnificent forms until the end of the entire generative period, it is important to cut dried flowers in a timely manner.
Plants can overwinter in open ground. To do this, you need to remove their above-ground part, and cover the flower bed itself with a dense layer of cut grass or straw. Ammonium nitrate, mullein and calcium sulfate are useful as top dressing.
Asters are not pruned before flowering. This can be done only before the wintering of perennials.