Species Canada Aster
pink-purple flowers with white-purple center, purple-pink buds, green leaves, and light-green stems

Canada Aster

Canadanthus modestus

Also Known As - Great Northern Aster
The Canada Aster (Canadanthus modestus) is a beautiful and eye-catching wildflower native to Canada. It features a wide array of blossoms in shades of lavender, pink, and white that bloom together in clusters. The size of the petals may range between 2 to 6 inches in width. It stands tall and blooms from late summer through early winter with the change of season. The Canada Aster prefers sunny locations with well-drained soils and regular watering. The plant’s low mounding form and airy foliage helps its star-shaped blooms stand out in a garden and attract pollinators as well.

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Division,Root Cutting,Seed Propagation,Layering Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

Sun:

full sun,part shade

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Low

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

For established Canada Aster plants, water them thoroughly once a week during dry spells. When it's raining regularly during the growing season, reduce the frequency of your waterings, giving the soil a chance to dry slightly between applications. If the soil is allowed to dry out completely, the plant's leaves will start to droop and look wilted. Deep and infrequent irrigation is the best way to keep the Canada Aster properly hydrated. In general, water your Canada Asters in the morning, around 9:00am, to help them start their day off with plenty of moisture. This will also give enough time for the leaves to dry before nightfall, reducing the risk of fungal diseases.

sunlight

Canadian Asters love both sun and shade, but tend to flourish better in full sun locations. When grown in full sun, these plants will have more colorful flowers and may become more tolerant of dry conditions. For best results, place Canadian Asters in a spot that receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight each day. Early morning or late afternoon sun is best to avoid any damage caused by intense midday sun.

pruning

Canada Aster should be pruned in late winter or early spring. The first year, prune the plant to about 1 third its overall size. This will help to encourage branching and create a fuller, bushy plant. In subsequent years, you can shape and thin the plant to maintain its form and function. Remove dead, weak, or crossed branches. Cut back the stems of older flowers to encourage more blooms. You can also remove spent blooms throughout the summer for additional flowering.