Origin
Aster glabriuscula (Nutt.) Torr. & Gray var. parryi (Gray) Onno, commonly known as Parry's aster, is a perennial herb native to North America, specifically found in western United States, Mexico, and Canada.
Common Names
Parry's aster is commonly known as Parry's wild aster, mountain aster, and Parry's leaf aster.
Appearance
Parry's aster typically grows to a height of 1 to 3 feet tall. The plant has narrow, linear leaves that are 1 to 2 inches long. The flowers are purple-blue in color with a yellow center and typically bloom from June to September. The plant has a clumping growth habit with multiple stems arising from a central crown.
Uses
Parry's aster has traditional medicinal uses among some Native American tribes as a treatment for coughs, fevers, and intestinal ailments. Additionally, the plant is commonly used in garden landscaping due to its attractive flowers and ability to attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
Light Requirements
Aster glabriuscula var. parryi plants thrive in full sunlight. A minimum of 6 hours of direct sunlight daily is needed for the plant to grow optimally. The plant requires ample sunlight to grow strong stems and produce colorful flowers.
Temperature Requirements
These plants prefer cool temperatures and can tolerate frost. The recommended temperature range for growth is between 32°F to 77°F. The plant can tolerate hot temperatures but must have ample water to prevent the soil from becoming too dry.
Soil Requirements
The plant grows best in well-draining, loamy soil that contains an adequate amount of organic matter. The soil pH should be between 6.0 and 7.0. The plant cannot tolerate soils that are waterlogged or heavy. Adding compost or manure can improve soil fertility and structure, and improve the plant's growth and flowering.
Cultivation
Aster glabriuscula (Nutt.) Torr. & Gray var. parryi (Gray) Onno, commonly known as Parry's Aster, is a hardy perennial plant that is easy to cultivate. It prefers full sun exposure but can survive in partial shade as well. The plant thrives in well-drained soils that are slightly acidic with a pH of 6.0 to 6.5. It can grow up to 2 feet tall and 1-2 feet wide.
Watering Needs
Parry's Aster requires regular watering to establish during the initial growth stages. Once established, the plant is drought tolerant and can survive without regular watering. The plant prefers moderate watering of at least an inch of water every week to maintain healthy growth and blooms. It is important to avoid overwatering, as it can cause the roots to rot.
Fertilization
During the growing season, the Parry's Aster can benefit from fertilization. A balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 formula, can be applied monthly to promote healthy growth and blooming. It is important to follow the instructions on the fertilizer package and avoid over-fertilization, as it can cause the plant to produce excessive foliage at the expense of blooms.
Pruning
Parry's Aster requires regular pruning to maintain its shape and encourage bushy growth. Deadheading or removing spent blooms is necessary to promote the growth of new flowers. The plant can be pruned in spring before new growth begins or at the end of the flowering season. It is recommended to prune back up to a third of the plant's height to encourage bushy growth and prevent it from becoming leggy.
Propagation of Aster glabriuscula var. parryi
Aster glabriuscula var. parryi can be propagated through both seeds and cuttings. The plant is commonly grown from cuttings due to the difficulty of obtaining viable seeds.
Propagation by Seeds
The seeds of Aster glabriuscula var. parryi can be sown in late fall or early spring. Before sowing, the seeds should be stratified at 4°C for a period of 30 days to break their dormancy. The stratified seeds can then be sown in trays filled with a well-draining seed-starting mix. The seeds should be lightly covered with the mix and kept moist until they germinate in 7-10 days.
Once the seedlings have developed two true leaves, they can be transplanted into individual pots filled with a well-draining potting mix. The seedlings should be kept in a partially shaded location and watered regularly until they are large enough to be planted in their permanent location.
Propagation by Cuttings
Aster glabriuscula var. parryi can be propagated by taking stem cuttings in early summer. The cuttings should be approximately 10cm in length and should be taken from the current year's growth. The cuttings must be taken from the base of the stem and should include a few leaves.
The cuttings should be dipped in a rooting hormone and inserted in a well-draining potting mix. The cuttings should be watered sparingly and misted regularly until they develop roots (in 4-6 weeks). Once the cuttings have rooted, they can be transplanted into individual pots or directly into their permanent location.
Disease Management for Aster glabriuscula (Nutt.) Torr. & Gray var. parryi (Gray) Onno
Although Aster glabriuscula var. parryi is a relatively hardy plant, it can still be affected by several diseases if not appropriately maintained. Here are some common diseases that might affect the plant and tips to manage them:
Powdery Mildew
Powdery mildew is a fungal infection that affects the leaves of the plant. You can identify its presence by spotting powdery white spots on the plant's leaves. The best way to manage powdery mildew is by increasing air circulation and sunlight exposure around the plant. You can also apply a fungicide to the plant to control the spread of the infection.
Bacterial Blight
Bacterial blight is another common disease that affects Aster glabriuscula var. parryi. It presents itself by producing brown and black spots on the plant's leaves, and in severe situations, the entire plant can get blackened and die off. To manage the spread of the infection, you will need to trim off any affected leaves, and spray the plant with a copper-based fungicide.
Pest Management for Aster glabriuscula (Nutt.) Torr. & Gray var. parryi (Gray) Onno
Apart from infections, various pests can also affect Aster glabriuscula var. parryi and might require management to prevent damage to the plant. Some common pests include:
Aphids
Aphids are tiny insects that love to feed on the plant's sap. They can weaken the entire plant, and in severe cases, cause it to wilt and die. To manage aphids, you can spray the plant with a homemade solution of soap and water. Alternatively, you can introduce ladybugs to the garden, which feed on aphids.
Spider Mites
Spider mites are another common pest that can affect Aster glabriuscula var. parryi. You can identify their presence by spotting web-like structures on the plant. Similar to aphids, spider mites suck the sap from the plant, leading to the plant's decline. To control spider mites, you can purchase phytoseiulus persimilis, which feed and kill spider mites.
