The mountain aster delights with its purple flowers in late summer. In addition, the perennial convinces with its low maintenance requirements.
In late summer, the blossoms in the garden bed ebb away. The mountain aster (Aster amellus) can ensure that colorful accents are also provided in the home garden in autumn. The perennial convinces with its blue-violet flower heads, which are lined up on the long flower stalks. Lime Aster has made a name for itself as one of the most attractive fall bloomers and makes an excellent cut flower.
Origin of the Mountain Aster
The flowering perennials belong to the daisy family and are native to Europe and Asia. In contrast to the species found in North America, the mountain aster grows less luxuriantly.
The mountain aster is most commonly found on stony and calcareous terrain. The distribution area of the autumn bloomer extends from France via Lithuania and Macedonia to the western parts of Asia.
| Mountain Aster (Aster amellus) | |
|---|---|
| Growth: | bushy, erect stems, clumpy |
| Growth: | 30 - 60 cm |
| Growth: | 40 - 50 cm |
| Flower: | August to September |
| Location: | Sun |
| Floor: | dry, permeable, nutritious, calcareous |
The right location for the mountain aster
For the mountain aster, the term lime aster has also become common. The name provides information about the natural site conditions of the perennials. In its natural range, the mountain aster only grows on calcareous soil.
The hobby gardener should find a sunny and warm location. Sunny open spaces in the rock garden and on rocky slopes are preferred. Penumbra is briefly tolerated. The lime aster should be exposed to the full sun for several hours a day.
Tip: If the flowers appear few in number and pale in colour, this is an indication that the location is too shady.
Pot planting is also possible. A full sun locationon the south-facing terrace, however, is to be avoided. If it gets too hot, the flowering period will be shorter and the plants will be more susceptible to diseases.
The mountain aster can arrange itself well with the following bed neighbours:
- Phlox
- Sunflowers
- Sun Eye
- Silver Thistle
- Goldenrod
The ideal substrate for the mountain aster
The designation Lime Aster refers to the design of the substrate. A calcareous, well-drained soil allows the perennial to thrive. The location requirements are comparatively low. The substrate may be stony and have a high proportion of clay. However, clay soils are particularly dense, so the soil should be loosened and made more permeable.
So that the liquid can drain off well and waterlogging does not occur, drainage should be installed in the soil. Before planting, the bed is laid out with stones or gravel.
Tip: A dry soil is better tolerated than a permanently moist substrate.
Lime the substrate for the mountain aster
We have already pointed out the preference of the mountain aster for calcareous soils. You can find out how calcareous the substrate is by measuring the pH value in the soil. These small tools are available in every hardware store and garden center.
The following values are a guideline:
Soil condition
loamy soil
sandy loamy soil
sandy soil
pH value
7
6.5
5.5
If these values deviate only slightly after the measurement, it is sufficient to work in around 120 to 150 grams of lime per square meter every two to three years. If the measurement results are significantly lower, the quantity can be adjusted accordingly. The benchmark is 250 grams of lime per square meter.
The type of lime used depends on the soil conditions:
Soil condition
heavy loamy soil
humus rich soil
light, loose soil
Lime Art
Quicklime
Algae lime
Garden lime
The soil is preferably limed in spring when the soil has dried. Because then the lime can be better worked into deeper layers of the earth.
Planting the mountain aster - step by step
1. Select location
2. Determine lime content
3. Prepare soil
4. Maintain plant spacing
5. Dig planting hole
6. Work in drainage7. Insert plants
8. Close planting hole
9.Water the plant
The mountain aster can be planted all year round. An exception are days when ground frost prevails. The best time for planting is spring, when the mountain aster has not yet sprouted again.
When planting, it should be noted that the Lime Aster spreads quickly. A planting distance of about 45 centimeters must be maintained. About five plants can be planted per square meter .
An overview of pretty mountain aster varieties
Planting the following attractive mountain asters provides variety in the perennial border:
| Mountain Aster Art | Growth | Flower Color |
|---|---|---|
| Leprechaun | 40 cm | violet |
| Dr. Otto Petschek | 60 cm | lavender blue |
| Lady Hindlip | 60 cm | pink |
| Perianth | 50 cm | silvery purple |
| Rudolf Goethe | 60 cm | rich lavender |
Water the mountain aster correctly
The mountain aster is often satisfied with the natural amount of rain. If there are prolonged dry periods, regular watering is necessary. It should be poured moderately. The substrate is allowed to dry before the next watering.
Tip: Preference is given to watering in the early morning and evening hours.
Fertilize the mountain aster correctly
The nutrient requirement of the mountain aster is rather moderate. Therefore, overdoing should be avoided. It is recommended to use a long-term perennial fertilizer. It also doesn't hurt to sprinkle lime around the plant from time to time.
Pruning the Mountain Aster
Pruning is essential for lush growth and rich flowering. Cut back either in autumn or immediately after flowering. The Lime Aster can be shortened close to the ground.
Multiply the Mountain Aster…
… by seeds
The mountain aster can be propagated by seeds. For this purpose, the perennial is not cut back after flowering, but the formation of the seeds is awaited. These can then be collected and stored over the winter. Sowing directly into the bed is possible in spring.
… by head cuttings
Propagation through top cuttings is also quite easy. These can be cut in spring. The lower pairs of leaves are removed. The cuttings, which are about ten centimeters long, are placed in potting soil and quickly form roots there. Whether the propagationwas successful can be recognized by the sprouting of new leaves.
… by division
The mountain aster is divided for the first time two to three years after planting. As well as being an easy method of propagation, this is used to rejuvenate older plants and stop unwanted runners from forming.
Division can occur in spring or immediately after flowering.
Proceed as follows:
1. Dig up the plant
2. Remove the substrate from the root ball
3. Check the root ball for damage
4. Separate the root ball with a sharp spade
5. Replant sections
Recognize diseases and pests on the mountain aster
If the right location is chosen, the mountain aster is rarely affected by diseases. A lack of light, on the other hand, weakens the plant and makes it more susceptible to various types of damage.
Mountain asters are more frequently affected by powdery mildew. The infestation is easily recognizable by a flour-like coating on the leaves. The coating can simply be wiped off. Treatment with a milk-water solution or spraying with field horsetail broth also helps.
Tip: Ladybugs and other natural predators biologically combat fungal infestation.
If the Lime Aster does not receive enough nutrients, the plant will wilt. If you add fertilizer accordingly, this deficiency can usually be remedied quickly.
Overwintering the Mountain Aster
The mountain aster easily survives the winter in our latitudes. This distinguishes them from most other aster species in the bed. The robust plants defy temperatures down to -28 degrees.
If the mountain aster is cultivated in a bucket, the planter threatens to freeze through. The roots can then no longer absorb and transport nutrients. Therefore, cover the substrate with brushwood or leaves and wrap the planter in garden fleece.
If you have the opportunity, you can overwinter the planter in a cool and frost-free basement.