heath aster

The heath aster requires consistent watering throughout its growing season. For best results, water on a weekly basis. First, deeply water the plant, making sure the entire root system is saturated. After that, keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy, checking for signs of drying out each week. During periods of drought or extreme heat, increase watering frequency to ensure that the soil does not dry out completely. In general, the Heath Aster needs about 1 - 2 inches (2.5 - 5 cm) of water per week to help it stay healthy and blooming. Make sure to avoid overhead watering, as this will cause the foliage to become too wet. Instead, water near the base of the plant, ideally with soaker hoses or drip irrigation.

Heath aster (Syphytorichum ericoides 'Blue Star') requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. When grown in full sun, they will produce the best foliage color and flower production. If grown in partial shade, flower production will be more limited but it is generally best to avoid full shade altogether. With the right sunlight, this plant species thrives!

Heath aster, also known as Symphyotrichum ericoides 'Blue Star', should be pruned in the late winter or early spring right before new growth begins in order to maintain a neat shape and encourage renewed growth. This means that the suggested timing for pruning is typically February. When pruning, it is important to remove any dead, diseased, or damaged stems at the base of the plant. This will help to minimize any negative impacts that these stems could cause and will also help to produce fresh, healthy growth for the blooming season ahead. Additionally, it is recommended to prune up to 1-third of the growth from the previous season to keep the shrub from becoming too leggy and unshapely, but avoid pruning too much. Lastly, it is helpful to lightly shear the plant after flowering to help encourage a tidy, uniform growth habit.