Aster tataricus

Aster tataricus

Tatarian Aster
Binomial:	Aster tataricus
Type:	Perennial
Light requirements:	Full sun
Water requirements:	Drought tolerant
Soil requirements:	Well-drained
USDA Hardiness Zone:	3-8
Bloom season:	Late autumn
Fruit season:	Winter
Weediness:	Aggressive spreader
Pollination:	Insects

Tatarian Aster is a tall, upright perennial native to Asia but grown elsewhere in gardens.

Description

The plant overall is coarse, with large leaves and thick stems. The flowers are borne in late autumn, with yellow disk florets and purple ray florets.

The species can grow up to 2.5 m (8 ft) tall, but shorter cultivars are available.

Growing conditions

Does best in full sun. Plants tend to flop if grown in very rich soils. Hardy in USDA zones 3-8.

Uses

Generally grown as a "back of the border" plant, for its tall flowers in the fall. Excellent as a cut flower.

Maintenance

Cut back half-way in mid summer to encourage bushiness. The plant spreads aggressively, so will need to be reined in by digging out the outer crowns or dividing every two or three years.

The plant does not readily self-seed.

Propagation

Easily divided.

Pests and diseases

Pest and disease issues are not common, though deer browsing can be a problem if deer populations are high. See Aster for discussion of pest and disease issues.

References

• Christopher Brickell and Judith D. Zuk (1997). The American Horticultural Society A-Z Encyclopedia of Garden Plants. DK Publishing. p. 150.