Growing Aster (Aster)

Pronunciation: ass'ter 

Grow in full sun (or partial shade in the South) in moist but well-drained soil (A. amellus tolerates drought). A. novae-angliae varieties are susceptible to powdery mildew in dry soil. They also require division every year or two to remain vigorous. A. novae-angliae varieties may require staking; if you prefer, you can pinch them back once or twice (by 1/3–1/2) before the end of June (July in the South and the Southwest) to keep them compact. In the South, A. X frikartii 'Monch' may stop blooming by midsummer; shear it back by half, and it will bloom again through the better part of fall.