The smoothleaf aster prefers moist, well drained soil and enriches the autumn garden from September to October.
The smooth-leaf aster, also known as New Belgian aster and botanically as Aster novi-belgii or Symphotrichium novi-belgii, is a beautiful border perennial that adorns the autumn bed with bright flowers. From a horticultural point of view, it is one of the most valuable asters, as the autumn bloomers bring magical colors to the autumn garden later in the year.
Origin of the Smoothleaf Aster
The origin of the smooth-leaf aster is North America. From there, the plant spread from Newfoundland to Quebec and as far south as Georgia. There it grows in damp places, near river banks, in coastal swamps and on railway embankments. The smooth leaf aster came to Germany as a garden plant in the 18th century. Derived from its botanical name, the smooth-leaf aster is also often referred to as the New Belgian aster. How this aster got its name is a bit strange, since there is neither a region nor a place with the name Neubelgien. The German botanist Paul Herrmann wanted to give the smooth leaf aster the name "New Holland" in 1687. "New Holland" is the former name for the area of the east coast between Philadelphia and the border with Canada. The translation into the Latin language produced the unusual name "novi-belgii". The name Aster novi-belgii has survived in botany to this day.
Since the North American aster species has peculiarities in genetics, the assignment of the genus is still discussed today. There are also always changes. For this reason, the smooth-leaf aster is now assigned to the genus Symphotrichium in botany. However, this designation is neither used commercially nor by hobby gardeners. The name used is Aster novi-belgii.
Flat leaf aster - growth and appearance
The smooth-leaf aster reaches a height of up to 150 centimeters, with the stems arranged in an upright, rounded habit. It grows like a bush, short spurs are formed. From a genetic point of view, the Smooth Leaf Aster is almost identical to the Aster dumosus. That's why the right one fallsAllocation not easy. In the meantime, it has been agreed that all aster varieties with a growth height of less than 50 centimeters should be assigned to the Aster dumosus. The higher aster species are called Aster novi-belgii. However, since there are many crossings, the borders merge smoothly.
Leaves and Leaf Shape of Flat-Leaf Aster
The leaves of the Aster novi-belgii have a medium green color and they are between 5 and 15 centimeters long. Their shape is lance-like or lance-like-lineal, and they are four to ten times longer than their own width. Some sheets even have a serrated edge. In most varieties, however, this is missing and so the foliage shows itself with a closed, smooth edge. The leaves have no stalk. At the point where they emerge from the stem, they half embrace it.
Blooming and Blossoms
The flowering period of the aster novi-beglii is between September and October. The flowers are arranged in large umbel-like panicles and consist of ray florets that can be between 2 and 4 centimeters in size. As a rule, the smooth-leaf asters shine in a rich, magical violet. Occasionally, bluish, white, or pink flowers may also be present. Since the perennial is very richly covered with flowers during the flowering period, the smooth leaf aster conjures up a special play of colors in the autumn garden.
Smooth Leaf Aster - Location and Preferred Soil
The smooth-leaf aster loves sunny locations, which are best cool and airy. These are the optimal conditions for the perennial to thrive perfectly. In terms of nutrient supply, the Aster novi-belgii is not very demanding. Your preferred soil should be loamy, humus-rich and fresh, with a certain amount of moisture and contain lots of nutrients. This ensures that it can fully unfold in its annual structure and later in a lush bloom. The soil must not become too dry in summer. This affects the development of the flowers and can lead to powdery mildew.
Plant flat leaf asters
As smooth-leaf asters grow high in the sky and can reach heights of up to 150 centimetres, the best spot is in the middle and back of a bed. In front of it, low perennials can be planted very well to fill the space that is still free. However, care should be taken not to plant the individual perennials too close together to avoid mildew infestationprevent.
Care for and multiply Aster novi-belgii
It is important for the smooth-leaf aster that they are watered regularly during dry periods. Equally essential is the annual fertilization in spring, for which at best a perennial fertilizer with a long-lasting effect is chosen. When the flowering late autumn is over, the pruning should be done. It can also be cut back in spring before the first shoots appear. If pruned in the fall, the smooth leaf aster will want it covered with nutrient-enriched compost. This is the perfect basis for the plant to be optimally prepared for the next season and at the same time it is well protected from the upcoming winter cold.
In the case of tall perennials, it is advisable to shorten the shoot tips a little before flowering. However, this delays the flowering time by about 20 days. If a higher-growing variety of Astern novi-belgii has been chosen, it makes sense to support the perennial.
Dividing and multiplying flat leaf aster
With smooth-leaf asters, it is important that they are regularly pulled out of the ground, divided and replanted. This keeps the plant flowering for years and at the same time promotes its vitality. Planting out and dividing is particularly useful for over-aged perennials. In the spring, only the small parts of the plant, which have 3 to 5 basic shoots, are planted elsewhere in the ground. Then in autumn of the same year, a vigorous and he althy Aster novi-belgii can be enjoyed, providing an indescribable bloom in the garden.
Diseases and Pests
The autumn garden beauty is particularly susceptible to powdery mildew. In order to limit or avoid an infestation, the soil should have even moisture and an adequate supply of nutrients should be ensured. If a powdery mildew infestation becomes visible, it can be combated in the early stages with biological agents for spraying. The susceptibility is strongly dependent on the selected variety. Therefore, when buying an Aster novi-belgii, you should pay attention to the recommendations and, if possible, ask the specialist staff.
The right plant partners for the Aster novi-belgii
The smooth-leaf aster is not only a special beauty in the garden, but can also be used as a cut flower in a vase above a bouquet of autumn flowers.
Besides other types of asters, such as the cushion asters,that can be planted in close proximity to the smooth leaf aster, there are numerous other perennials and plants that harmonize very elegantly with the aster novi-belgii in the flower bed. Combinations with daisies or catnip are nice to look at. Different ornamental grasses such as fountain grass and switchgrass make for an extremely attractive combination. Their stalks play around the stiff nature of the smooth-leaf aster and thus loosen up the design of the bed a little.