Overview
Aster lateriflorus (L.) Britt. var. pendulus (Ait.) Burgess, commonly known as calico aster or white wood aster, is a flowering herbaceous perennial plant belonging to the Asteraceae family. This plant is widely distributed throughout North America, particularly in the eastern and central regions of the United States and Canada.
Description
The stem of calico aster can grow up to 4 feet tall, while the leaves are narrow and lance-shaped, about 2-5 inches long. The plant produces small, daisy-like flowers about ¼ to ½ inches across with white petals and yellow centers, which bloom in late summer and early fall. This plant is generally grown for its ornamental value and attractive white flowers.
Common Name
Calico aster or white wood aster are common names for this plant. The name "calico" may refer to the diverse colors and patterns of the flowers, which may be white, blue, pink, or purple, often with a reddish or yellow center, resembling the patchwork fabric called calico. "White wood" refers to the plant's growth habit, which is often found in shaded woodlands and forest edges.
Uses
Calico aster is highly valued in horticulture and is used extensively in landscaping as a ground cover, border, or in mixed perennial beds. It is also known to attract a wide range of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and other insects, making it a valuable addition to wildlife gardens. In traditional medicine, parts of this plant have been used to treat various ailments, including diarrhea, fever, flu, and bladder infections.
Conclusion
Aster lateriflorus (L.) Britt. var. pendulus (Ait.) Burgess is a robust and beautiful native plant, with attractive flowers and foliage that can be enjoyed for months. It is easy to grow, tolerates various soil conditions, and can thrive in both sunny and shady areas. Whether incorporated into a mixed garden or grown as a specimen plant, the calico aster is a versatile and worthwhile addition to any landscape.
Light Requirements
Aster lateriflorus var. pendulus requires full to partial sun exposure to thrive and grow properly. It can tolerate a bit of shade too, but the plant's growth might be stunted.
Temperature Requirements
The plant prefers ambient temperatures that range from 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. The ideal temperature for growth would be around 70 degrees Fahrenheit. This plant is hardy in USDA hardiness zones 4 to 8, which means it can withstand extreme cold temperatures as low as -30 degrees Fahrenheit. In warmer areas, this plant requires moderate watering to keep it active during summers.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-drained, fertile soil that is moist to the touch. The soil pH should be around neutral to slightly acidic. The best soil medium for Aster lateriflorus var. pendulus would be a mixture of peat moss, loam, and sand, which provides excellent drainage and aeration. The plant can also grow in a wide range of soils and can tolerate slightly alkaline soils.
Cultivation Methods
Aster lateriflorus (L.) Britt. var. pendulus (Ait.) Burgess, commonly known as "Drooping Aster," is a herbaceous perennial plant that can grow up to 3 to 4 feet tall. It can be grown in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-drained soil. It is a low-maintenance plant that can be grown in USDA hardiness zones 3 to 8.
The best time to plant Drooping Aster is in the spring after the danger of frost has passed. To propagate, divide mature plants in the spring or early fall.
Watering Needs
Drooping Aster requires moderate watering. It needs to be watered deeply once a week, providing approximately 1 inch of water at a time. However, be careful not to overwater as soggy soil can lead to root rot.
Drooping Aster is drought-resistant, so it can tolerate short periods of dryness. However, prolonged droughts can cause the plant to dry out and wither. Therefore, it is important to check the soil moisture regularly.
Fertilization
Drooping Aster does not require heavy fertilization. A light feeding of a balanced fertilizer in the early spring can promote growth and flowering. It is recommended to use slow-release fertilizer with low nitrogen content as high nitrogen content can produce an excessive amount of foliage, leading to reduced flowering.
Pruning
Drooping Aster plants do not require much pruning; however, deadheading can increase flowering and extend the blooming period. Removing old, dead flowers will also prevent the plant from reseeding. Additionally, cutting back the plants by half in the early spring can promote bushier growth and prevent the plant from becoming too lanky.
Propagation of Aster lateriflorus (L.) Britt. var. pendulus (Ait.) Burgess
Aster lateriflorus (L.) Britt. var. pendulus (Ait.) Burgess is commonly known as the horizontal blue wood aster. The plant is propagated through different methods including seed propagation, softwood stem cuttings, and division.
Seed propagation
The horizontal blue wood aster can be propagated by seed. The seeds should be sown in well-drained soil in the spring. Before sowing the seed, it is best to stratify the seeds for 2 to 3 weeks to break the seed dormancy. After stratification, the seeds can be sown in trays or pots with a well-drained soil mix. The trays should be placed in an area that is partially shaded and kept moist until the seedlings emerge.
Softwood stem cuttings
Aster lateriflorus (L.) Britt. var. pendulus (Ait.) Burgess can also be propagated through softwood stem cuttings. Soft shoots should be taken in the spring and early summer, when the plant is actively growing. Before taking the cuttings, make sure the parent plant is healthy and free from diseases. Cuttings should be taken from the upper portions of the stem, and the leaves should be removed from the lower half of the stem. Dip the cuttings in rooting hormone and plant them in a well-drained soil mix. Cover the pot with a clear plastic bag to maintain humidity and place the pot in a shaded area. Once the cuttings have rooted, remove the plastic cover and gradually introduce them to more light.
Division
Division is another propagation method for Aster lateriflorus (L.) Britt. var. pendulus (Ait.) Burgess. The best time to divide the plant is in the spring or fall. Dig up the plant and gently separate the root clumps into smaller sections. Make sure each section has some roots and leaves. Replant the sections in well-drained soil and water thoroughly. The new plants should be watered regularly until they become established.
Disease Management
Aster lateriflorus (L.) Britt. var. pendulus (Ait.) Burgess is susceptible to various diseases that can affect its growth and yield. Some of the common diseases that can affect this plant include:
- Fungal leaf spot: This disease is caused by a fungal pathogen and can cause circular or irregular spots on the leaves. To manage this disease, remove the infected leaves and treat the plant with a fungicide.
- Powdery mildew: This disease can affect the leaves, shoots, and flowers of the plant. It is characterized by a white powdery growth on the surface of the leaves. To manage this disease, remove infected plant parts and treat the plant with a fungicide.
- Root rot: This disease is caused by waterlogging and can affect the roots of the plant. To manage this disease, improve soil drainage and avoid overwatering the plant.
- Verticillium wilt: This disease is caused by a soil-borne fungus and can cause wilting and yellowing of the leaves. To manage this disease, remove infected plant parts and treat the plant with a fungicide. Planting disease-resistant varieties can also help prevent this disease.
Pest Management
Aster lateriflorus (L.) Britt. var. pendulus (Ait.) Burgess can also be affected by pests that can cause damage to the plant. Some of the common pests that can affect this plant include:
- Aphids: These insects can cause curling and yellowing of the leaves, as well as stunting of the plant. To manage this pest, remove the aphids by hand or apply insecticidal soap to the plant.
- Spider mites: These pests can cause discoloration and distortion of the leaves. To manage this pest, spray the plant with water to remove the mites or apply insecticidal soap or oil to the plant.
- Cutworms: These pests can cut off the stems of young plants. To manage this pest, use a collar around the base of the plant or apply Bacillus thuringiensis (BT) to the soil.
- Slugs and snails: These pests can eat the leaves and stems of the plant. To manage this pest, handpick them off the plant or apply a slug and snail bait around the base of the plant.
