Content
Shrub aster is a flowering perennial, the height of which does not exceed 50-70 cm. The bushes are beautiful, spherical, densely covered with flowers of various colors: from white to pink, lilac and deep purple. Asters are decorative, but at the same time they do not require special care.
Description of perennial spray asters
Shrub aster is a perennial plant with straight, highly branching stems. Most often it is called bush - the name "shrub" refers to the obsolete. Bushes of medium height (up to 40-50 cm). However, there are also tall varieties up to 150-160 cm. Leaves of a rich dark green color, lanceolate. Inflorescences are small baskets of a complex structure. The tubular part is colored yellow, and the tongues (longitudinal petals) are of different shades: from white to lilac.
The size and color of inflorescences in bush asters largely depends on the variety: flowers can be small (1.5-2 cm in diameter) and large (up to 7-8 cm).
Perennial aster bushes are densely covered with bright flowers, so it fits perfectly into the design of any garden
When and how shrub aster blooms
About 600 species of bush perennial asters are known, and the flowering time depends on the specific variety. According to this indicator, they are divided into 3 main groups:
- early flowering - from early May to late June;
- summer - from the first decade of July to the last days of August;
- autumn - bloom almost all autumn (September, October, and in the southern regions until November).
Knowing the characteristics of a particular variety, you can make the garden decorated with flowers of various colors at any time of the year:
- white;
- cream;
- pink;
- crimson;
- red;
- purple;
- blue;
- soft lilac.
Shrub asters can also be two-colored, for example, white petals with lilac edges are often found.
Despite its small size, bush aster always attracts attention.
Several groups are distinguished depending on the form:
- Terry bush aster: inflorescences with a large number of rows of petals: 5-7 or more.
- Semi-double: the number of rows is usually 3-5.
- Simple (non-double): all petals line up in 1 or 2 rows.
All these forms are used to decorate the flower garden. In design, it is important to take into account not so much the structural features as the color and height combination (tiering).
Types and varieties of shrub asters
Perennial aster has many varieties and species. They differ in flower color, height and winter hardiness - these are the characteristics that you need to pay attention to. Judging by the reviews of florists, the most popular varieties of shrub asters are:
Alpine aster
One of the first to bloom - flowers appear at the end of May, then in June and even in July. The plant is low (up to 35 cm), medium-sized inflorescences - up to 5 cm in diameter.
Alpine bush aster has a very delicate lilac color
Italian aster
It resembles a chamomile in shape; it can be either white or lilac in color. In height it reaches from 30 to 60 cm - it depends on the fertility of the soil and the characteristics of care. It blooms for a very long time - from July to early September.
The classic variety of the Italian aster is characterized by a delicate lilac shade.
Alpine aster
Gives flowers of all kinds of colors - lilac, pink, raspberry, white, purple. Bushes can be short (up to 20 cm) and quite tall (40-50 cm). Almost all varieties are distinguished by lush, long flowering.
Alpine aster looks good in single plantings
New England aster
Includes several varieties: Purple Dome, Bars Pink, Saturn, Consgans, Sunset and others. The range of colors is very rich: white, blue, saturated lilac, with a pink tint, dark red and others. The bushes are vigorous, reaching a height of 120-150 cm.
Purple Dome is one of the most beautiful varieties of New England asters.
Terry aster
Very attractive shrub aster with unusual lush flowers. The color is also varied - white, blue, lilac.
Due to their exceptional attractiveness, such flowers can be planted not only in a flower garden, but also in flowerpots.
Application in landscape design
Shrub aster is a herb for outdoor use. It looks good in both single and group plantings. Therefore, in landscape design, it is used in different ways:
- in combination with perennial asters;
- in joint planting with thuja, spruces and other conifers;
- in compositions with decorative cereals, chrysanthemums.
You can choose any place of landing. Large bushes of lush asters, for example, terry, are planted in open spaces, green lawns, next to an entrance or bench. Low-growing bushes are suitable for multi-tiered flower beds, mixborders. Almost all bush asters look great in rock gardens and rockeries.
Shrub asters are combined with decorative cereals
Asters with lush flowers (for example, the Bessarabskaya variety) look harmoniously on rocky ground
Planting along the paths will transform any flower garden
Lush bushes can be used in single (specimen) plantings
How can you propagate bush aster
Both bush and other varieties of perennial asters reproduce easily by dividing an adult bush (at the age of at least 3-4 years). At the beginning or middle of summer, the bush is dug up, divided into several parts so that 1-2 healthy buds remain on each, and transplanted to a new place. This procedure is recommended to be repeated every 3-4 years in order to rejuvenate.
Another method that is suitable for young and old bushes is cuttings. To obtain a green cutting, cut the top of the stem or completely the entire shoot (it is better to do this in the first half of summer). It is rooted directly into the soil, consisting of the following components:
- sod land - 2 parts;
- sand - 1 tsp;
- peat - 1 tsp
First, the cuttings are grown under a film, then mulched for the winter with foliage, peat or other materials. At first, cuttings are best grown in a shaded area.
Seeds are planted directly in open ground in early April and covered with foil. In regions with a cool climate, seedlings should be grown at home. Plants obtained in this way will give the first flowers as early as the next season.
The easiest way to propagate bush asters is to divide the bush
Planting and caring for perennial bush aster
Shrub aster belongs to unpretentious plants. It is easy to grow in most Russian regions, including the Northwest, Urals, Siberia and the Far East. To ensure a truly lush and long-lasting flowering, you need to take care of regular watering and feeding.
When to plant bush asters
Almost all varieties of bush asters are cold-resistant. They are not afraid of frost on the soil (up to -3-4 ° C).Therefore, in most regions of Russia, they can be planted in open ground in early May, and in Siberia and the Urals - in the middle of the month. In the southern regions, planting is allowed in the second half of April.
Cuttings can be planted in any summer month, preferably before August. Bush strips can also be planted in June or July. And even if you do it at the end of summer, they will have time to settle down.
Site selection and soil preparation
You should be especially careful when choosing a place for planting bush asters. It should be open, as illuminated as possible and protected from drafts. Astra prefers light, loose, fairly fertile soil. If the soil is dense, it needs to be dug up, and if it is depleted, fertilizer should be applied when planting.
The composition of the soil can be as follows:
- garden land - 2 parts;
- peat - 1 tsp;
- humus - 1 tsp;
- compost - 1 tsp
When planting, a certain interval must be observed both between neighboring aster bushes and between rows. Thanks to this, the overgrown asters completely cover the soil and form a very beautiful floral carpet.
Distance | Varieties of asters | ||
Undersized | Medium-sized | Tall | |
Between the bushes, cm | 20 | 30 | 50 |
Between the rows, cm | 30 | 50 | 80 |
Planting shrub asters
The further decorativeness of the bush aster depends on the correct planting. The sequence of actions is standard:
- Clean and dig up the area. Carefully break up all large lumps.
- Dig several holes at a certain distance.
- If the site is located in a lowland, and the soil is often waterlogged, it is necessary to fill up a drainage layer (small pebbles, expanded clay).
- Mix the fertile soil layer with superphosphates and potassium salt.
- Install a bush aster seedling, lay half of the soil and water abundantly.
- Add the remaining mixture, tamp a little and water again.
Follow-up care
The bush aster does not require special care after planting. Top dressing should be applied periodically, as well as sufficient watering (but not too abundant). Another important rule is that it is advisable to replant the bushes every 3-4, maximum 5 years. Otherwise, they lose their decorative effect, grow worse, and bloom less luxuriantly.
Watering and feeding
Watering is carried out evenly so that the topsoil always remains slightly moist. If the summer is rainy, the aster does not need additional moisture. In a drought, it can be watered 1-2 times a week, making sure that the ground does not crack. It is advisable to use water that is settled, it can be stored indoors or outdoors.
Periodic top dressing will ensure lush flowering of bush asters
Seedlings need nutrients, especially during the formation of buds and the appearance of the first inflorescences. Fertilizers are applied according to the general scheme:
- In mid-May - complex mineral.
- At the budding stage - potassium salt and superphosphates.
- During flowering (possible every 3 weeks) - potassium salt.
- The last feeding can be done in mid-August. After that, it is recommended to prepare the bush aster for the period of winter dormancy.
It is necessary to periodically loosen the soil, especially after top dressing, so that nutrients can quickly penetrate the roots and tissues of the entire plant. At the same time, it is necessary to loosen very carefully, shallowly, since the roots of bush asters lie directly under the surface.
Pruning shrub asters
All types and varieties of bush asters require regular pruning to form a beautiful, attractive crown. Most often, the bush is given the shape of a ball, removing all actively growing shoots. Tall asters are planted as a hedge - in this case, pruning is done every month.
Throughout the summer, especially during the flowering period, it is recommended to pinch the tops of the bush aster. This stimulates flowering - the bush gives a lot of inflorescences for several weeks in a row.It is also important to remove any inflorescences that have just begun to wilt. It also stimulates the formation of new beautiful flowers.
Tall bush asters need a garter
Preparing for the winter shrub aster
Almost all varieties of bush asters are winter-hardy, but they still need preparation for the winter period. For this, in the fall, a complete pruning of the ground part of the bushes (at the root) is carried out. This must be done 2 weeks before the onset of the first frost:
- in the Urals and Siberia - in mid-September;
- in the middle lane - in early October;
- in the south - at the end of October.
Then the bush aster is watered for the last time (no need to feed) and covered with fallen leaves (preferably dried up) or spruce branches. Young, newly planted plants can be additionally covered with agrofibre (needed in regions with harsh winters).
Pests and diseases
Shrub asters are less likely to suffer from disease. Fusarium and rust are especially dangerous for them. If brown spots appeared on the leaves, they began to turn yellow and fade, the infected bush asters will have to be destroyed, otherwise the infection will spread to neighboring crops.
To avoid these unpleasant diseases, certain preventive measures must be followed:
- Immediately after planting (and then every May), treat the bushes with any fungicide - this can be Bordeaux liquid, Fitosporin, Ordan, Maxim and others.
- Do not fertilize the soil with manure. Better to use mineral fertilizers.
- If the soil is acidified, neutralize it with slaked lime in the amount of 100-150 g (incomplete glass) per 1 m2.
As for pests, they rarely infect bush aster: aphids and onion bugs can be seen on plants. These insects can be easily destroyed with any insecticide (Spark, Aktara, Green soap, Biotlin). Folk remedies are also used - a solution of soda, ammonia, herbal infusions.
For the prevention of fungal diseases, it is advisable to treat bush aster with drugs
Conclusion
Shrub aster is one of the most beautiful perennial plants that bloom profusely throughout the summer and even autumn. Several hundred different species and varieties have already been created, most of which are winter-hardy. Therefore, each florist will be able to choose a composition that is suitable specifically for his garden.
