An additional global product is now available: the ASTER Water Body Dataset (ASTWBD). This raster product identifies all water bodies as either ocean, river, or lake. Each GDEM tile has a corresponding Water Body tile.The GDEM and ASTWBD are available for download from NASA Earthdata and Japan Space Systems.This ASTER product is available at no charge for any user pursuant to an agreement between METI and NASA. For more information about the GDEM, see the Validation Report: ASTER GDEM V2 Validation Summary Report.
The New World species have now been reclassified in the genera Almutaster, Canadanthus, Doellingeria, Eucephalus, Eurybia, Ionactis, Oligoneuron, Oreostemma, Sericocarpus and Symphyotrichum, though all are treated within the same tribe, Astereae. The "China aster" is in the related genus Callistephus. Regardless of the taxonomic change, most are still widely referred to as "asters", or "Michaelmas daisies", because of their typical blooming period.
One of the few flowers left around Michaelmas in the British Isles is the Michaelmas daisy (another name for asters), hence the rhyme: "The Michaelmas daisies, among dead weeds, Bloom for St Michael's valorous deeds..."[15]
Cold-hardy perennials with daisy-like flowers, aster flowers are the pollinator stars of the garden from late summer through fall. Growing 1 to 6 feet tall, depending on variety, these upright flowering plants bear cheerful star-shaped flower heads ranging from purple to white to blue.
Even though there are more than 600 aster species, the two most commonly encountered asters in home gardening are the New England aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae) and the New York aster (S. novi-belgii). Several years ago, the Aster genus was split into multiple genera. Aster now covers most European and Asian asters, while those native to North America belong to Symphyotrichum.
Asters prefer areas with cool, moist summers and cool nights in sites with full to partial sun. In warmer climates, asters do not like the hot midday sun. Soil should be moist but well-drained and loamy. Wet clay soil will lead to root rot, and dry sandy soil will lead to plant wilt. Mix 2 to 3 inches of compost into the soil before planting.
The most common asters available in North America are the New England aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae) and the New York aster (Symphyotrichum novi-belgii). Both of these plants are native to North America and are great flowers for pollinators. We recommend planting a native species of aster over a non-native species when possible, so talk with your local Cooperative Extension or garden center about which species are best suited to your area. Look for varieties with disease resistance.
I challenge this statement: "Asters prefer areas with cool, moist summers and cool nights in sites with full to partial sun." While the native asters in the yard did not do that well during drought conditions in the northeast, the ultra-hot weather this year, combined with higher rainfall produced tall plants with ample blossoms.
While asters prefer cooler conditions that does not mean the plants can not survive and even thrive during stretches of hotter conditions, especially once they are established. The flowers do best when the temperatures are cooler in the late summer and fall. Since asters prefer moist soil, it is important that they receive enough water/precipitation to keep them growing during hot and/or dry stretches.
Reportedly, there are over 250 different types of asters growing all over the world. Botanists have reclassified this genus after studying the plant's morphology and DNA. The Aster genus is restricted to plants native to Europe and Asia. The species native to North America belong to two other genera, Symphyotrichum and Eurybia. The common name remains Aster for all the genera.
Planting: Plant asters anytime during the growing season. In the South, spring and fall are best to allow the plant to get established before severe hot or cold weather. In the North, plant anytime up to early fall. This will allow the roots to get established before winter.
Trimming & Pruning: Asters don't require pruning. However, you can keep taller varieties short and bushy by pinching the tops in early June in the North and late June in the South. Remove the top few inches of growth and the aster plant will respond with more side shoots and a bushier plant. Don't pinch the new growth after early July or you'll be removing flower buds for the fall. The shorter, bushier plant may not require staking or caging.
Dividing & Transplanting: The easiest way to propagate asters is to take a division in spring. This will serve a double purpose of creating new plants to share with friends and reducing the size of an overgrown plant. Asters should be divided every 3 to 4 years so they don't get too large. Spring is also the best time to move an existing aster to a new location. In spring, after the ground thaws and plants start to grow, dig up the aster plant and make 6 to 8-inch diameter divisions with a group of leaves and roots. If you want to create just a few divisions, you can separate out pieces from the mother plant along the edge of the root ball, leaving the main plant intact. Replant the division immediately and keep well-watered.
Pests/ Disease: The biggest pest of asters is powdery mildew disease. This fungal disease causes the leaves to turn white, then yellow and die from midsummer to fall. If severe, it will defoliate the plant and reduce flowering. The best solution to powdery mildew is to grow resistant aster varieties such as 'Winston Churchill' and 'Blue Lake' New York asters, and 'Bluebird' smooth aster. To prevent powdery mildew from getting started, set plants further apart, thin stems from crowded plants in spring and use preventive sprays. Bacillus subtilis is a bacterial spray that fights fungus and works to control mildew before it takes over. You can also use a baking soda solution of 1 tablespoon of baking soda mixed with one gallon of water with a dash of liquid soap. Again, spray early in the season to prevent powdery mildew from taking hold.
They can be planted in containers using a lightweight potting mix. Make sure your pot has a drainage hole and that there is easy access to water nearby. Some people even grow potted asters indoors.CARE REQUIREMENTSWater:Once established, they require little watering, unless conditions have become unusually dry and the plants show signs of stress. New York aster (Symphyotrichum novi-belgii) cultivars have shallow roots and may need more frequent watering during the summer, especially when planted in free-draining soils. Keep soil moist, but not saturated. Mulching to reduce water loss is an important strategy for preventing disease.
Aster flowers (Aster spp.) add color to the autumn landscape while offering beauty with little work when caring for asters. Growing asters often bloom in late summer and fall, but the Alpine aster offers blooms in spring. Learning how to grow aster is easy and rewarding when the star-shaped flowers bloom in the landscape.
Aster flowers may reach 3 to 4 feet (1 m.) or can be compact and mounding as with the Alpine type. Six-hundred or more varieties of aster exist. Pair asters in the natural garden with coneflowers and goldenrod for a striking display. Caring for asters can include staking and/or pruning taller types for a bushier and more compact plant.
Growing asters is a simple garden chore. They may be started from seed in spring, but are most often purchased as a potted plant. Plant into a full sun to part sun location in loamy, well-draining soil. Keep new plantings moist and continue watering until blooms cease. Appropriate care of aster includes watering at the base and not splashing the foliage. Getting water or fertilizer on the leaves encourages powdery mildew and other fungal diseases. Organic mulch can hold in moisture and supply nutrients as it breaks down. Apply within a few inches (7.5 to 12.5 cm.) of aster stems, but not against them. Fertilize growing asters with a balanced plant food about once a month. Asters need little in the way of maintenance. Care of asters may include deadheading for more blooms and occasionally includes controlling powdery mildew. This disease is most easily prevented by autumn or spring division of aster flowers, with the middle clump removed and discarded. Powdery mildew can also be controlled with insecticidal sprays and soaps, if started early and regularly applied during the growing season. Powdery mildew usually does no lasting damage to aster flowers, but should be controlled for aesthetic purposes. Spraying may also deter the small, gray lace bug, which sometimes feeds on the succulent growth of growing asters. Include a plot of aster flowers in the garden for fall color and beauty. Plant shorter types to accompany fall-blooming mums. This hardy perennial will return for years of autumn color.
Asters make a good container plant. Be sure to use potting soil mixed with peat, give them a solid 6 hours minimum of direct sunlight per day, and fertilize them once a month."}},"@type": "Question","name": "Where should I place asters in my house?","acceptedAnswer": "@type": "Answer","text": "Asters need full sun to thrive, so don't be surprised if you have to move their container around the house to catch that direct sunlight. Any sunny windowsill will work well.","@type": "Question","name": "What plants are similar to asters?","acceptedAnswer": "@type": "Answer","text": "Other plants in the family include daisies, marigolds, sunflowers, chrysanthemums, and echinacea."]}]}] Skip to contentbuttonbuttonVisit The Spruce's homepage NewslettersClose search formOpen search formEnter your search termSearch Decor