Species stiff aster
cluster of white flowers with yellow stamens, and small, narrow, linear green leaves and green stem

stiff aster

Ionactis linariifolia

Stiff Aster (Ionactis linariifolia) is an herbaceous perennial wildflower with a clumping habit and stiff, upright stems. It produces small, daisy-like white or pale lavender flowers with yellow centers from spring through fall. The narrow, linear leaves are soft and gray-green in color, giving the plant a silvery-gray appearance. The stiff stems help the plant thrive in dry, sandy soils and keeps the plant upright in windy conditions. Stiff aster is a showy, drought tolerant perennial perfect for adding beauty to wildflower gardens, naturalized areas or as a cut flower in bouquets.

Cycle:

Herbaceous Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Seed Propagation,Division,Cutting,Layering Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

4 - 9

Flowers:

Blue-violet to purple with yellow centers Flowers In Summer

Sun:

full sun

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

silver,green

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Stiff aster (Ionactis linariifolia) generally prefers moist, well-drained soil, and it's best to keep the soil lightly moist at all times. As a general rule, you should water your stiff aster once a week, allowing the top half inch of soil to dry out each time before watering. If the weather is very hot or dry, you may need to water more frequently. When watering, make sure to apply the water slowly and evenly so that it can penetrate the soil. Avoid overwatering, as this can cause the plant's roots to rot.

sunlight

Stiff aster (Ionactis linariifolia) needs full-sun exposure during the growing season for optimal growth and flowering. This plant thrives in an area that receives 6-8 hours of direct sunlight each day. In areas where there are low light levels, the plant may not flower. Plants grown in shady areas may show a distinct lack of vigor and will be much smaller. It may not be possible to get these asters to flower in heavily shaded areas.

pruning

Stiff aster can be pruned or cut back mid-spring to early summer, when it has finished flowering. When pruning, about 1/3 of the stems should be cut back to the crown of the plant. This will help to maintain the attractive shape of the plant, while encouraging new growth. Additionally, deadheading can be done throughout the growing season to keep the plant looking neat and tidy.

Season

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

Ionactis linariifolia typically starts flowering in late spring, usually in May or June.

Starts Flowering

Ionactis linariifolia typically starts flowering in late spring, usually in May or June.

Hardiness Map