Species aster
Lavender flower with yellow anthers, lime buds,  stems and green leaves.

aster

Aster frikartii 'Flora's Delight'

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!

Cycle:

Herbaceous Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Division,Cutting,Layering Propagation,Seed Propagation,Grafting Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

5 - 8

Flowers:

Lilac rays with yellow center disks Flowers

Sun:

Full sun,part shade

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

High

Maintenance:

Moderate

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

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.

sunlight

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.

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.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Aster frikartii 'Flora's Delight' typically starts flowering in late summer, usually in August or September.

Starts Flowering

Aster frikartii 'Flora's Delight' typically starts flowering in late summer, usually in August or September.

Hardiness Map

FAQ

Is gerbera a member of the Asteraceae family?

Yes, gerbera (Gerbera jamesonii) is a member of the Asteraceae family, commonly known as the daisy, sunflower, or composite family. Gerbera is a genus of about 30 species of flowering plants native to tropical regions of South America, Africa, and Asia. They are grown as ornamental garden and indoor plants, earning them the popular nickname "Gerber Daisy." They usually have a long flowering season and can come in a variety of colors, making them a popular choice for bouquets and floral arrangements.

Do aster flowers attract butterflies and bees?

Yes, aster flowers definitely attract butterflies and bees. Asters are bright, bold garden favorites due to their delicate blossoms, which often feature curved petals that fan out like a star. Their colors range from violet and purple to pink, white, and blue, so they offer a wide range of colors that attract butterflies and bees. Additionally, aster flowers are usually clustered close together, which providesa perfect landing spot for both butterflies and bees.

Is aster flower a good option for landscape design?

Aster flowers are an excellent option for landscape design because of their bright color, attractive shape, and ease of maintenance. Asters have deep colorings that range from purple, to white, to pink, with some varieties having variegated petals. They also come in multiple heights and widths, which makes it easy to fit them into your landscape plan. Finally, asters are quite low-maintenance, only requiring occasional trimming and occasional fertilizing for optimal growth.

Should aster flowers be grown in pots or in the ground?

Aster flowers can be grown both in pots and in the ground depending on the needs of the gardener. When grown in the ground, asters provide homeowners with a stunning border for flower beds or a vibrant addition to any garden. For those who prefer to have plants that move with them, or have limited outside space, asters can be grown in pots. Asters do need well-draining soil and adequate sunlight when planted outdoors, and a larger pot size will be needed to accommodate their deep roots. Whichever method you choose, make sure that your potted or in-ground asters receive the proper care and maintenance to keep them blooming brightly.

Is the aster flower a perennial or an annual plant?

The aster flower is a perennial plant, meaning that it will regrow each year for multiple years. Asters bloom in late summer and fall and can range in color from white and pale pink to deep purple. They are popular flowers for outdoor and indoor gardens, and since they are fairly hardy, they can thrive in a range of soils and temperatures.

Do aster flowers have a strong scent?

Aster flowers typically have a mild scent, though some varieties, such as the purple aster, may have a slightly stronger one. Astilbes, which are closely related to asters, are known to have a more "fragrant" smell. But overall, asters typically do not have an overpowering fragrance.

Should aster flowers be planted in the fall or spring?

Aster flowers should be planted in the fall. By planting asters in the fall, their roots will have time to become established during the colder winter months. This gives the flowers a head start when the warmer spring weather arrives. The blooms will then flower for several weeks. If asters are planted in the spring, they may not have enough time to become firmly established, compromising the flower's longevity and bloom size.

Could aster flowers grow in a rock garden?

Aster flowers can absolutely be grown in a rock garden. They are versatile and are able to adapt to many different growing conditions. The plants thrive in well-drained soil and appreciate the heat reflected off of rocks and stones. A moderate supply of water is required, so regular watering will be necessary. Rock gardens are becoming increasingly popular, and aster flowers are an ideal choice for this type of garden because of their bright colors and long lasting blooms.