Aster novae-angliae 'Alma Potschke'

Photo Courtesy of Walters Gardens, Inc.

Common Name: Aster-New England

Clusters of showy, deep rose-pink flowers borne on tall, leafy stems grace this selection from late summer into fall. They are a terrific accent to fall blooming grasses and the changing colors of the trees. Try cutting a few flowering stems for a fresh bouquet--bring the outdoors in.

Asters are native to North America and are generally very easy to grow.

Origin: Native Cultivar

Characteristics:

Height:
36 Inches

Spread:
24-36 Inches

Flower Color:
Pink shades

Foliage Color:
Green shades

Hardiness Zone:
3,4,5,6,7,8
Find Your Zone

Sun or Shade?:
Full sun (> 6 hrs. direct sun)

Wet or dry?:
Average water needs

Want to see wings?:
Attracts butterflies

How fast should it grow?:
Medium

When should it bloom?:
  Late summer
  Early fall
  Mid-fall

How's your soil?:
Fertile Soil

Sweet or Sour Soil?:
Neutral Soil (pH = 7.0)
Alkaline Soil (pH > 7.0)

What's your garden style?:
  Container/Patio
  Prairie
  Rain Garden
  Eclectic

Attributes:

Border plants
Container
Cut flower or foliage
Mass Planting
Salt Tolerant

Homeowner Growing & Maintenance Tips:

Asters perform best in rich, evenly moist soil and full sun. Give them lots of room to grow; good air circulation will help to prevent powdery mildew. Though this cultivar has a bushy, compact habit, it may still require staking. To promote dense growth that is less likely to flop, pinch plants back from late spring until July 4th.

Plants should be divided every couple of years in the spring to maintain their health and vigor.

Companions:

	Common/Botanical Name	Zones
	*Pennisetum alopecuroides* 'Little Bunny'** Common Name: Grass-Ornamental	5,6,7,8,9
	*Artemisia schmidtiana* 'Silver Mound'** Common Name: Silver Mound Artemesia	3,4,5,6,7
	Anemone hupehensis Common Name: Anemone-Japanese	5,6,7,8
	Caryopteris 'First Choice' PP11958 CPBRAF Common Name: Blue Mist Shrub	6,7,8,9
	*Echinacea purpurea* 'Magnus'** Common Name: Coneflower-Purple	3,4,5,6,7,8
	*Rudbeckia fulgida* 'Goldsturm'** Common Name: Black-Eyed Susan	4,5,6,7,8,9,10
	Polygonum aubertii Common Name: Silver Lace Vine	4,5,6,7,8
	*Buddleia davidii* 'Royal Red'** Common Name: Butterfly Bush	5,6,7,8,9,10
	*Sedum spectabile* 'Neon'** Common Name: Stonecrop-Showy	3,4,5,6,7,8,9
	*Miscanthus sinensis* 'Variegatus'** Common Name: Grass-Ornamental	5,6,7,8,9
	Chrysanthemum 'Harmony' Common Name: Mum-Hardy Garden	5,6,7,8,9

Fun Facts:

"Aster" is latin for "star," in reference to the shape of its flower.

While every effort has been made to describe this plant accurately, please keep in mind that the height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates throughout the country. The description of this plant was written based on our experience growing it in Michigan (USDA hardiness zone 5) and on numerous outside resources.

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