aromatic aster

Aromatic aster should be watered deeply about twice a week from early spring to late summer, once a week in fall, and only when the soil feels dry to the touch during cold weather. Be sure not to over water as too much water can lead to root rot. Aim to water the soil until water begins to come out of the drainage holes of the pot or from the bottom of the planter. Allow the top 2 inches of soil to dry out before watering again. Also, during cold, rainy days, reduce watering to give the plant a chance to reestablish itself.

Aromatic asters (Symphyotrichum oblongifolium 'October Skies') grow best in well-draining, loamy soil in full sun or partial shade. They should receive at least 6 hours of direct daily sunlight but can tolerate up to 8 hours. If your area gets predominantly hot afternoons, it is best to give the asters some light shade during this time.

Aromatic aster (Symphyotrichum oblongifolium 'October Skies') should be pruned once a year in late winter or early spring. It is best to prune these plants right before they start actively growing in the spring, usually early to mid-March. Pruning should be done to encourage bushiness and to remove old and damaged stems. Remove all dead and weakened stems at the base of the plant, and remove any stems that are crossing over or touching each other. Pruning should be done by cutting stems just above a node (where leaves appear) to encourage new growth and create more bushiness. New stems will often appear at the same nodes that were pruned. Once the pruning is completed, inspect the plant for any remaining dead, damaged, or long, awkward looking stems and remove those as well.