blue wood aster

Blue wood aster requires regular and frequent watering throughout the growing and flowering season. You should water your blue wood aster about 1-2 times per week, or more often during extended dry spells. It's important to check the soil moisture regularly to ensure that it is consistently moist (but not wet) at least 2 to 3 inches deep. Water thoroughly so that water is drawn down into the root zone, and do not water again until the soil is nearly dry. Watering in the late afternoon or evening is best to reduce the risk of fungal diseases.

Blue wood asters require full sunlight for about 6-8 hours per day. This species of plant will thrive with ample sunlight, especially early in the morning or late in the afternoon. The bright light will give the plant enough energy to develop strong stems and bright flowers. When grown in direct light, the blue wood aster will be more likely to produce a larger number of flowers. In areas with more limited sunlight, the plant may be able to bloom but it will be less vigorous and the flower size may be reduced. As a general rule, during the flowering period, providing some shade in the afternoon hours will ensure better performance from your blue wood aster.

Blue wood aster benefit from pruning in the late winter or early spring, roughly between February and April, before new growth begins. The amount of pruning needed will depend on the size and shape desired. Large plants may require more pruning, while smaller plants may need only minor pruning. It's best to remove any dead, diseased, broken, or otherwise damaged foliage before pruning, as well as any stems that are crowded, misshapen, or otherwise unattractive. Prune back individual stems to just above a healthy bud or node. Trimming the whole plant back to its desired size can also be effective, as it encourages new, healthy growth and can help improve the overall shape and form of the plant.