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Aster tataricus

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Aster tataricus

Tatarian Aster
Binomial:Aster tataricus
Type:Perennial
Light requirements:Full sun
Water requirements:Drought tolerant
Soil requirements:Well-drained
USDA Hardiness Zone:3-8
Bloom season:Late autumn
Fruit season:Winter
Weediness:Aggressive spreader
Pollination:Insects

Tatarian Aster is a tall, upright perennial native to Asia but grown elsewhere in gardens.

Description[edit | edit source]

The plant overall is coarse, with large leaves and thick stems. The flowers are borne in late autumn, with yellow disk florets and purple ray florets.

The species can grow up to 2.5 m (8 ft) tall, but shorter cultivars are available.

Growing conditions[edit | edit source]

Does best in full sun. Plants tend to flop if grown in very rich soils. Hardy in USDA zones 3-8.

Uses[edit | edit source]

Generally grown as a "back of the border" plant, for its tall flowers in the fall. Excellent as a cut flower.

Maintenance[edit | edit source]

Cut back half-way in mid summer to encourage bushiness. The plant spreads aggressively, so will need to be reined in by digging out the outer crowns or dividing every two or three years.

The plant does not readily self-seed.

Propagation[edit | edit source]

Easily divided.

Pests and diseases[edit | edit source]

Pest and disease issues are not common, though deer browsing can be a problem if deer populations are high. See Aster for discussion of pest and disease issues.

References[edit | edit source]

  • Christopher Brickell and Judith D. Zuk (1997). The American Horticultural Society A-Z Encyclopedia of Garden Plants. DK Publishing. p. 150. {{cite book}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)