Aster novi-belgii 'Samoa'
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MICHAELMAS DAISY, NEW YORK ASTER
Family: Asteraceae
Pronounced: A-ster NO-vee-BEL-gee-ee
GROWING GUIDE
Geographic Origin:
Garden origin.
Plant Group:
Perennial.
Hardiness:
Sunset zones: All (Western).
USDA zones: 4-8.
Mature size:
Height: 24 inches (60 cm).
Width: 24 inches (60 cm).
Flowering period:
Early September until first frost.
Flowering attributes:
Violet flowers with orange centers.
Leaf attributes:
Dark green, lanceolate leaves.
Growth habit:
Clump forming.
Light:
Full sun.
Soil:
Moist, moderately fertile, well-drained soil.
Feeding:
A mulch of compost or manures applied in fall. Apply a complete organic fertilizer in spring. After cutting back growth in early summer, a light fertilizing with fish fertilizer will help with new leaf growth.
Propagation Methods:
Division in early spring or late fall. | Root basal cuttings in spring.
Pruning Methods:
Prune back in early summer for bushier growth, but A. 'Samoa' has a compact and bushy growth so there is no need for pruning as with some of the other asters.
Rainy Side Notes
For fall, asters cannot be beat for wonderful fall colors. Just when you think summer is over and your garden is going to fade, out pop the beautiful asters asking, no, insisting you pay attention. Like the purple of the Aster 'Tonga', A. 'Samoa's color which is more violet, blends and compliments the many jewel tone colors of autumn. I planted three plants but believe five or seven planted in a drift would be better. I planted around the perimeter of a Rosa sericea with its bright red prickles.
New York asters last as a cut flower for 8-12 days when properly harvested. Cut the stems when ¼ of the flower has opened and place it immediately into water.
Article: Planning a Colorful Autumn Garden.
Debra Teachout-Teashon
Photographed in author's garden.
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