Smooth aster typically starts flowering in late summer or early fall, usually between August and October.
smooth aster
Symphyotrichum laeve
Smooth Aster (Symphyotrichum laeve), also known as Blue Wild Indigo, is a perennial herb with an upright or sprawling habit. Its striking lavender colored flowers appear from July to October and have yellow centers. The smooth, lance-shaped leaves are arranged in an alternate pattern on the stem. It is a hardy, adaptable plant that does well in many soil types and is drought-resistant. It is easy to grow in sunny to partially shaded locations and provides excellent late season color for gardens and meadows. The flowers are attractive to beneficial insects and butterflies, making them an ideal inclusion in pollinator-friendly gardens.
Cycle:
Herbaceous Perennial
Watering:
Minimum
Propagation:
Seed Propagation,Cutting,Division,Layering Propagation
Hardiness Zone:
3 - 8
Flowers:
Violet to purple rays and yellow centers Flowers
Sun:
Full sun
Soil:
Sandy Loamy Rocky
Leaf:
Yes
Leaf Color:
green
Growth Rate:
Low
Maintenance:
Low
Salt Tolerant:
Yes
watering
Smooth aster needs to be watered once or twice a week, depending on the weather conditions. It prefers well-drained soil and needs to be watered deeply – so it's important to ensure that you get down to the roots. During the growing season, water should be applied evenly and slowly. Water for about 10 minutes until the soil is moist, but not soggy. In the winter, water should be reduced so that the soil remains on the dry side.
sunlight
Smooth aster (Symphyotrichum laeve) needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight every day for optimal growth. They will tolerate less sun, but will not be as productive. Full sun exposure is best and they prefer the morning sun to the afternoon sun. When planting, make sure the smooth aster is in an area that will receive a minimum of 6 hours of sun. Morning sun is best, as it can better withstand the warm temperatures of the afternoon. It should not be planted in an area that receives too much shade, as this can impact its growth and flowering potential.
pruning
Smooth aster should be pruned back to approximately 6 inches from the soil when it starts to develop a slightly woody stem. Pruning is best done in late winter, before new growth begins, or in early spring before the flowers are produced. Pruning should also be done at the same time other maintenance tasks are completed. After pruning, remove dead and damaged stems and spent flower heads. Be sure to remove any diseased stems to help prevent the spread of disease. Trim off misplaced branches and cross-over shoots so the plant can develop a healthy shape and structure.
Season
Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering
Starts Flowering
Smooth aster typically starts flowering in late summer or early fall, usually between August and October.
