Origin
Aster patens Ait. var. patentissimus (Lindl. ex DC.) Torr. & Gray belongs to the family Asteraceae and is native to North America, where it is found in the central and western regions of the United States and Canada.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as the western spreading aster, spreading aster, or western aster.
Uses
The plant has some medicinal properties and is used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments such as fever, arthritis, and digestive disorders. The roots of the plant are used for medicinal purposes. The plant is also used in landscaping, as it is an attractive plant with blue flowers that bloom from August to October.
General Appearance
Aster patens Ait. var. patentissimus is a herbaceous, perennial plant that grows up to a height of 30 to 40 inches. The plant has a fibrous root system that aids in spreading. The stems are erect but tend to fall over and spread outwards, giving the plant a sprawling appearance. The leaves are simple, alternate, and lance-shaped, with a smooth margin and a bluish-green color. The flowers are blue, with 10 to 20 petals, and have a yellow center. The plant has a bushy appearance and is well-suited to rock gardens or border plantings.
Light Requirements
Aster patens Ait. var. patentissimus (Lindl. ex DC.) Torr. & Gray requires full sun to partial shade to grow to its full potential. Insufficient light can lead to weak stems, stunted growth, and poor flower production.
Temperature Requirements
This plant is native to North America and has adapted to a range of temperatures. The ideal temperature range for growing Aster patens Ait. var. patentissimus (Lindl. ex DC.) Torr. & Gray is 65 - 75°F. However, it can tolerate temperatures as low as 50°F and as high as 90°F for short periods. Exposure to frost or prolonged high heat can damage the plant.
Soil Requirements
Well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter is ideal for the growth of Aster patens Ait. var. patentissimus (Lindl. ex DC.) Torr. & Gray. Soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral (pH range of 6.0 - 7.5). The plant can tolerate some drought but prefers consistently moist soil. Overly wet soil can cause root rot.
Cultivation Methods
Aster patens Ait. var. patentissimus (Lindl. ex DC.) Torr. & Gray, commonly known as spreading aster, thrives in soils that are well-draining and of medium moisture. It prefers full sun to partial shade. Prior to planting, prepare the soil by loosening it to a depth of 6-8 inches using a hoe or spade fork. Remove any weeds or debris.
Plant the Aster patens Ait. var. patentissimus (Lindl. ex DC.) Torr. & Gray in the early spring or fall seasons. Space the plants 12-18 inches apart, and plant them at the same depth that they were in the nursery container.
Watering Needs
For the first year, the spreading aster needs enough water to keep the soil moist but not wet. Water the plants at the base using a watering can or a garden hose, early in the morning or in the evening. Avoid getting the leaves wet, as it can increase the risk of diseases.
After the first year, water the plant deeply every week, especially during periods of drought. However, ensure that the soil is well-draining to avoid waterlogging and root rot.
Fertilization
For optimal growth and blooming, fertilize the Aster patens Ait. var. patentissimus (Lindl. ex DC.) Torr. & Gray once a year during the early spring. Use a balanced fertilizer, such as 10-10-10 or 12-12-12. Apply the fertilizer according to the instructions on the package, taking care not to overdose as it can negatively affect the plant.
Pruning
The spreading aster requires minimal pruning. Deadhead the flowers once they start to wilt to encourage the plant to produce more blooms. Use clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears to remove the dead flowers, cutting the stems down to the first set of leaves beneath the flowers.
Prune the plant back in the early spring before new growth emerges, if necessary, to control its size and shape. However, avoid cutting back too much, as it can reduce or eliminate the plant's blooming for the current year.
Propagation of Aster patens Ait. var. patentissimus
Aster patens Ait. var. patentissimus, also known as spreading aster, can be propagated using several methods, including seed propagation, division, and stem cutting.
Seed Propagation
Spreading aster produces viable seeds that can be collected and sowed in a prepared bed in the fall. You can also sow the seeds indoors in early spring and transplant the seedlings after the last frost. The seeds should be sown in well-draining soil and covered very lightly with soil or vermiculite. Keep the soil moist until the seeds germinate, which usually takes around 2-3 weeks.
Division
Division is another propagation method that can be used for spreading aster. The plant can be divided in early spring or fall by carefully digging and separating the roots. Each division should have a portion of the root structure and several shoots, which can be replanted in a prepared bed or container. Make sure to keep the soil moist until the plants are established.
Stem Cutting
Spreading aster can also be propagated using stem cuttings. Take 2-3 inch cuttings from the plant in early summer and remove the lower leaves. Dip the cuttings in rooting hormone and plant them in well-draining soil. Keep the soil moist and mist the cuttings regularly until they root, which usually takes around 2-3 weeks.
Disease Management
Aster patens Ait. var. patentissimus is a hardy plant that is resistant to most diseases. However, it is still susceptible to a few common fungal diseases like powdery mildew, rust, and leaf spot.
Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that appears as a white or grayish powder on the leaves of the plant. To manage this disease, prune off any infected leaves and ensure that the plant is in a well-ventilated area with plenty of sunlight. You can also use a fungicide spray to prevent the disease from spreading.
Rust is another fungal disease that appears as yellow or orange spots on the leaves of the plant. To manage this disease, prune off any infected leaves and ensure that the plant is adequately watered. You can also use a fungicide spray to prevent the disease from spreading.
Leaf spot is a fungal disease that appears as circular spots on the leaves of the plant. To manage this disease, prune off any infected leaves and ensure that the plant is not overwatered. You can also use a fungicide spray to prevent the disease from spreading.
Pest Management
Aside from diseases, Aster patens Ait. var. patentissimus is also vulnerable to pests like aphids, spider mites, and slugs.
Aphids are small, pear-shaped insects that suck the sap from the leaves and stems of the plant. To manage this pest, you can use a strong jet of water to dislodge them or use insecticidal soap or neem oil spray to kill them off.
Spider mites are tiny arachnids that suck the sap from the leaves of the plant, causing stunted growth and discoloration. To manage this pest, you can use a strong jet of water to dislodge them or use insecticidal soap or neem oil spray to kill them off.
Slugs are slimy mollusks that feed on the leaves and stems of the plant, leaving large holes. To manage this pest, you can handpick them off the plant or use organic slug pellets to kill them off.
