Alpine aster (Aster alpinus)

brightly colored flowers growing in a garden

El aster alpinus It is a species native to the alpine meadows of the mountains of Europe, the Caucasus and Western Siberia.

Aster is a genus of plant that gave its name to an entire family that brings together more than 500 herbaceous perennial species in Europe, North Africa, Central America and North America, among which is the Aster alpinus of the Asteraceae family and whose name of Greek origin Aster means star.

Her CARACTERISTICS

brightly colored flowers growing in a garden

El aster alpinus it is a small plant that can measure 30 cm in height, it thrives in groups ranging from 8 to 12, its deciduous leaves are small in a spatulate shape, longer than wide, simple and alternate. Of small and thick stems.

Its flowering located at the end of the stem is abundant, usually with solitary flowers but they are also seen grouped in bouquets. Its flowers grow on the stems in the form of rosettes and its seeds mature during the month of August. It is a fairly unstable species in cultivation.

Planting and caring for the Aster alpinus

It is recommended to sow between the months of May and June, preferably in a nursery or in a bucket, at an ambient temperature of approximately 15º. The seeds of this plant are recoverable for future use. Its germination is preserved for up to 3 years and stem cuttings and tuft segmentations are carried out in the spring season.

In its natural habitat it grows on rocky and sunny soils, moderately fertile, with good drainage. At the end of the time in the nursery or bucket, it is planted in autumn, although it can also be done in the spring itself between March and April. During watering it is good to avoid foliage, because this can cause diseases in the plant.

During the drought, irrigation should not be neglected; as well as the undergrowth that grows at its feet. To achieve a better flowering, those that are discolored should be removed. Its flowers occur between the months of April and July in different colors; white, blue, pink, purple and their anthers are always yellow and are highly sought after for their colorful and autumnal flowering.

The soil must be kept moist and watered regularly, trying to avoid overwatering. Like any perennial plant, it needs to be cared for. You have to be aware of pruning to prevent it from thriving in those areas reserved for other plants. When the flowers wither it is important to remove the head of the plant before new seeds emerge, this will help it not to spread all over the place, while preserving the strength to produce new seeds.

As these plants mature, form denser roots that cause the species to become weak, so it is recommended to lose weight on occasions. When its roots are divided, they take advantage of sowing in other places, on the other hand, the pruning of the roots will stimulate and strengthen the plant. Perennials can usually fragment in the spring and fall seasons.

Uses

bright purple flower growing in bushes

It is a plant of abundant flowering, which has made it one of the favorites to decorate the gardens. They are planted in beds that show their varied and beautiful colors that recreate a kind of very radiant and attractive screen. Aster alpinus are used in landscaping to adorn large open spaces.

This plant is also sought after for its special contribution to outdoor environments, the rich nectar of its flowers attracts flying insects, necessary for the pollination of plants. That is why experts plant them in order to attract the attention of butterflies. For those who prefer to plant their species in pots, it is recommended to use medium and small sizes.

Diseases and pests

In relation to pests and diseases, there are no known serious risks of diseases or insects that can cause problems when aster alpinus. However, it is possible that it is susceptible to powdery mildew caused by a fungus, which can attack its leaves and stem. Plant wilting can be a risk, especially if the species is planted in clay soils with insufficient drainage. In relation to parasites, the plant must be free of bugs and snails.


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