Description of Aster oblongifolius Nutt. var. orientis Shinners
Aster oblongifolius Nutt. var. orientis Shinners, commonly known as "Eastern aromatic aster," is a herbaceous perennial plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. It is native to North America and is found in the eastern parts of the United States.
General Appearance
The Eastern aromatic aster plant can grow up to 60 cm tall and have a spread of around 90 cm. It has a deep taproot system that allows it to grow in a variety of soil types, especially those that are well-drained. The stems are hairy and can range in color from green to purple.
The aromatic leaves of the Eastern aromatic aster are oblong in shape and can grow up to 10 cm long and 3 cm wide. They have a green-gray color that in combination with the purple stems makes for a lovely effect.
The plant blooms in the fall with small, daisy-like flowers. The flowers can be up to 2.5 cm wide and have white petals that surround a yellow center. The flowers are known for their strong and pleasant fragrance, which is why the plant is called the Eastern aromatic aster.
Uses
The Eastern aromatic aster plant has a variety of uses. It is often grown in gardens and used as a border or in landscaping to provide color during the fall season. The strong fragrance of the flowers also makes this plant popular for use in perfumes and other fragrances.
The plant is also used in traditional medicine by Indigenous cultures to treat respiratory problems and as a general tonic.
Overall, the Eastern aromatic aster is a versatile and beautiful plant that has many practical and ornamental uses.
Light Requirements
Aster oblongifolius Nutt. var. orientis Shinners requires bright sunlight for proper growth and development. It needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight every day. Lack of adequate sunlight can lead to stunted growth and poor blooming. Therefore, it is best to plant it in an open area with unobstructed sunlight exposure.
Temperature Requirements
Aster oblongifolius Nutt. var. orientis Shinners prefers moderate temperatures to thrive. The plant grows well in USDA Zones 5-9, where the average temperature ranges from 60°F to 70°F. It can tolerate temperatures as low as -20°F in winter, but excessive heat can damage the plant. A temperature range of 70°F to 85°F during the day and 50°F to 60°F at night is ideal for this plant.
Soil Requirements
Aster oblongifolius Nutt. var. orientis Shinners prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It can grow in a range of soil types, including sandy, loamy and clay soils. However, the soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 5.5 to 7.5 for optimal growth. The plant requires moderate watering and does not tolerate waterlogged soils, so make sure the soil is well-drained to prevent root rot.
Cultivation
Aster oblongifolius Nutt. var. orientis Shinners prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. This plant thrives in average to dry soil, so avoid overwatering.
Watering Needs
Drought-tolerant Aster oblongifolius Nutt. var. orientis Shinners needs watering only when the soil dries out completely. Water the plant deeply and infrequently to encourage deep root growth.
Fertilization
Aster oblongifolius Nutt. var. orientis Shinners does not require frequent fertilization. If needed, use a slow-release fertilizer during the growing season, follow the manufacturer’s instructions, and water the plant adequately after the application.
Pruning
Prune Aster oblongifolius Nutt. var. orientis Shinners in early spring or late fall to maintain the plant’s shape and remove dead, diseased, or damaged stems. Cut back the plant by up to one-third of its height. This method encourages bushier growth and more abundant flowering.
Propagation of Aster oblongifolius Nutt. var. orientis Shinners
Aster oblongifolius Nutt. var. orientis Shinners, commonly known as the Aromatic aster or the Oriental aster, is a beautiful and hardy perennial plant that is native to North America. This plant is appreciated for its distinctive fragrance and its ability to attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies. If you would like to grow Aster oblongifolius Nutt. var. orientis Shinners in your garden, you can propagate it using several methods.
Propagation by seeds
The simplest way to propagate Aster oblongifolius Nutt. var. orientis Shinners is by collecting and sowing its seeds. The seeds can be collected from mature plants during the fall months, and they should be sown immediately or stored in a cool and dry place until the following spring. You can sow the seeds in seed trays or directly in the ground, and the best time to do it is in early spring. Make sure to keep the soil moderately moist until the seedlings have grown enough to be transplanted to their final location.
Propagation by division
Aster oblongifolius Nutt. var. orientis Shinners can also be propagated by dividing mature clumps in the early spring or in the fall. To do this, dig up the clump and gently separate it into smaller sections, making sure that each section has a healthy root system and a few stems. Replant each section in a well-prepared soil mixture, and keep the soil slightly moist until the plants have established themselves.
Propagation by cuttings
A third propagation method is by taking softwood cuttings in early summer. Choose non-flowering shoots and cut them to a length of about 6 inches. Remove the lower leaves and dip the cuttings in rooting hormone powder before planting them in containers in a well-draining potting mix. Keep the soil slightly moist and mist the cuttings frequently until they have developed roots.
With these propagation methods, you can easily increase your stock of Aster oblongifolius Nutt. var. orientis Shinners and add a beautiful and fragrant plant to your garden.
Disease and Pest Management for Aster oblongifolius Nutt. var. orientis Shinners
Aster oblongifolius Nutt. var. orientis Shinners, commonly known as Aromatic Aster, is a perennial flowering plant that can be prone to various pests and diseases. Here, we will discuss some of the common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and suggest ways to manage them:
Diseases:
1. Powdery Mildew: Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that can affect Aromatic Aster. The first signs of it are grayish-white powdery patches on the leaves and stems of the plant. To manage this disease, remove any affected leaves or stems, ensure good air circulation around the plant, avoid watering late in the day and apply a fungicide when necessary.
2. Rust: Rust is another fungal disease that can affect Aromatic Aster. The first signs of it are orange or yellowish spots on the leaves of the plant. To manage this disease, remove any affected leaves, avoid overhead watering and apply a fungicide when necessary.
3. Stem Rot: Stem rot is a bacterial disease that can affect Aromatic Aster. The stem of the infected plant becomes blackened and begins to rot. To manage this disease, remove any infected plant material, avoid overwatering and provide good drainage.
Pests:
1. Aphids: Aphids are small insects that suck sap from the leaves and stems of a plant. They can cause curling, yellowing, and stunted growth in Aromatic Aster. To manage this pest, wash the plant with soapy water, introduce natural predators like ladybugs and lacewings, and apply organic insecticides when necessary.
2. Slugs and Snails: Slugs and snails are common pests that can feed on the leaves and stems of Aromatic Aster. They leave behind slime trails and can damage the plant severely. To manage this pest, remove any hiding places like debris and rocks, fill a shallow dish with beer to attract them, and use organic pesticides.
3. Spider Mites: Spider mites are small, sachet-like pests that feed on Aromatic Aster by sucking sap from the plant. They cause yellow spots, stunted growth, and eventual death of the plant. To manage this pest, use a high-pressure water spray to remove them from the leaves, introduce natural predators like ladybugs and predatory mites, and apply organic pesticides when necessary.
By following these tips, you can ensure a healthy and thriving Aromatic Aster in your garden.
