Description of Aster horizontalis Desf.
Aster horizontalis Desf. is a perennial herbaceous plant in the Asteraceae family. It is commonly known as the spreading aster, horiontal-leaved aster, and creeping aster. It is native to North America, where it grows in a variety of habitats such as rocky slopes, open woodlands, and prairies.
General Appearance
The spreading aster typically grows to a height of 30-60 cm and has a spread of 60-90 cm. It is a low-growing, mat-forming plant with long, trailing stems that root at the nodes. The stems are slender and reddish-brown, while the leaves are small, narrow, and shiny green. The leaves grow horizontally, giving this plant its common name.
The spreading aster produces numerous small flowers with yellow centers and lavender to pale blue rays. The flowers bloom from August to October, attracting birds, bees, and butterflies to the garden.
Uses
The spreading aster is a popular garden plant, valued for its attractive foliage, long flowering period, and hardiness. Its low-growing habit makes it ideal for ground cover, rock gardens, or edging along pathways. It is also used in naturalistic plantings or mixed borders, where it can complement other fall-blooming plants such as sedum, goldenrod, and asters.
In addition to its ornamental value, the spreading aster has medicinal properties and was traditionally used by Native Americans to treat various ailments such as fever, sore throats, and headaches. The plant was also used as a diuretic and to stop bleeding. However, it is important to note that the plant contains toxic compounds and should not be ingested without proper guidance from a healthcare professional.
Growth Conditions for Aster horizontalis Desf.
Light: Aster horizontalis Desf. prefers bright and full sunlight, so it's best to plant it in areas that receive direct sunlight for at least six hours per day. However, it can also grow well in partial shade conditions.
Temperature: This plant is hardy and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. It grows well in USDA hardiness zones 3 to 9, with an optimal temperature range between 60-70°F (15-21°C). It can tolerate hot summers and cold winters, but it is not drought tolerant, so adequate water supply is crucial.
Soil: Aster horizontalis Desf. prefers well-draining soils that are rich in organic matter. The pH of the soil should range from 5.5 to 7.5. The soil should also be kept consistently moist but not waterlogged, so it's important to water the plant deeply and regularly.
Fertilizer: Fertilization is not crucial for this plant, but it may benefit from regular doses of organic fertilizer during the growing season. Fertilizers with a balanced NPK ratio of 10-10-10 or 15-15-15 can be applied every four to six weeks during the growing season for optimal growth.
Propagation: This plant can be propagated by seed or cuttings. Seeds should be sown during the spring, and cuttings can be taken in the fall or early winter. Cuttings root best in moist, well-draining soil, and a rooting hormone may be used to enhance rooting success.
Pruning: Pruning should be done in the early spring to promote bushier growth and prevent the plant from becoming leggy. Deadheading spent blooms can also promote the growth of new flowers.
Cultivation methods
Aster horizontalis Desf. is a hardy perennial plant that is easy to grow and maintain. It prefers medium to moist well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. It is important to use well-draining soil as it can easily get root rot with poor drainage. It can be propagated from seeds or cuttings. If planting from seeds, start indoors before the last frost date or direct sow after the danger of frost has passed. The ideal temperature for seed germination is between 70-75°F.
Watering needs
Aster horizontalis Desf. should be watered regularly, especially during prolonged dry periods. Water deeply at the base of the plant for optimal growth. Avoid watering from overhead as it can cause fungal diseases. The soil should be kept moist, but not waterlogged, as excessive moisture can cause root rot. Mulching can help to retain soil moisture and suppress weed growth. It is recommended to water early in the morning or late afternoon when the temperature is cooler and the sun is not so strong.
Fertilization
Aster horizontalis Desf. does not require heavy fertilization, but an annual application of a slow-release balanced fertilizer is recommended to supply essential nutrients. Fertilize in early spring before new growth appears. Over-fertilizing can cause poor plant growth or damage, so always follow the package instructions carefully. A soil test can help to determine the nutrient requirement of the plant.
Pruning
Aster horizontalis Desf. does not require intensive pruning, but light pruning can help to maintain the shape and promote bushiness. Pinch back the tips of the stems in the early spring to encourage branching. This will produce more flowers and a fuller plant. Deadheading, which is the removal of spent flowers, can also promote more blooms. Cut the flower stems back to the next set of leaves or down to the base of the plant. Deadheading should be done regularly during the blooming period. Pruning should be avoided in late fall to prevent new growth, which may be damaged by frost.
Propagation of Aster horizontalis Desf.
Aster horizontalis Desf. is a herbaceous perennial plant that belongs to the family Asteraceae. It is commonly known as the spreading aster due to its spreading habit and availability in the wild across Southeast Asia. The plant produces attractive flowers, which makes it a popular choice for ornamental purposes. It can be propagated using a range of techniques depending on the end-use purpose and environmental conditions.
Propagation Methods
Seed propagation: Seed propagation is the most common method of propagating Aster horizontalis Desf. The seeds can be collected from mature flowers and can be sown directly in the field or in containers. Sowing the seeds directly in the field is suitable for large-scale plantation, while sowing in containers is an ideal method for home gardeners. The seeds should be sown on the surface of the soil or just covered with a very thin layer of soil. The seeds will typically germinate within two to three weeks.
Cuttings propagation: Cuttings propagation is another method to propagate Aster horizontalis Desf. This method involves taking cuttings from mature plants and growing them in a rooting medium to form new roots. The cuttings should be taken from the softwood growth of the plant in early spring or fall. The cuttings should be 7-10 cm in length and should be dipped into rooting hormone for better results. The cuttings should be placed in a well-draining soil medium and kept in a shaded area until roots form.
Division propagation: Division propagation involves dividing the plant into smaller sections and replanting them in different areas of the garden. This method is best suited for mature plants that have developed multiple crown sections. The roots should be gently lifted out of the ground and carefully separated into smaller sections. The sections should be replanted immediately and watered generously to promote growth and development.
Overall, Aster horizontalis Desf. can be propagated using a range of methods including seed propagation, cuttings propagation, and division propagation. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages, and it is essential to choose the best method based on the end-use purpose, time of year, and environmental conditions.
Disease Management
Aster horizontalis Desf. can be affected by various types of diseases, but the most common ones are powdery mildew, verticillium wilt, and rust.
Powdery mildew: The disease is characterized by a white powdery substance on leaves and stems. To manage the disease, remove and destroy the infected parts of the plant, increase air flow around the plant, and avoid overhead watering. Using fungicides like sulfur, neem oil, and potassium bicarbonate can also be useful.
Verticillium wilt: The disease causes wilting and yellowing of leaves, and it eventually kills the plant. Once identified, remove and destroy the infected plant and never plant a new host on the same spot. Before planting a new crop, ensure that the soil is free from the fungus by using soil solarization or soil fumigation.
Rust: This disease shows yellowish-orange or brown rust on the leaves' undersides and can defoliate a plant completely. To control the disease, remove and destroy any infected leaves, increase air flow, and use fungicides like copper-based fungicides.
Pest Management
Aster horizontalis Desf. can also face pest problems, which include spider mites, aphids, and thrips.
Spider mites: The pests usually feed on the undersides of leaves, causing yellow speckling. To control them, wash the leaves with water or use insecticidal soap or neem oil. Ensure to increase air flow and avoid overhead watering to lower humidity.
Aphids: Aphids feed on the plant's sap, causing curling of leaves and stunted growth. The pests can also transmit viruses. To control them, use insecticidal soap or neem oil, prune affected stems, and encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs to feed on them.
Thrips: These pests feed on flowers, causing discoloration and deformation. To control them, spray the plants with insecticidal soap or neem oil, prune affected flowers, and use yellow or blue sticky traps.
