Origin
Aster sibiricus L. var. meritus (A. Nels.) Raup is a native wildflower species of North America. It is commonly found in areas with cold to temperate climates, including Canada and the northern United States.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as Siberian aster, Siberian Michaelmas daisy, or Merit aster.
Uses
Aster sibiricus L. var. meritus (A. Nels.) Raup is mainly used for ornamental purposes due to its beautiful, delicate blooms. The plant is often grown in gardens or used for landscape design, adding color to borders, rock gardens, and naturalized settings. The flowers are also used for cut flower arrangements and attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies. In traditional medicine, the plant is used to treat various ailments, including respiratory and digestive problems.
General Appearance
Aster sibiricus L. var. meritus (A. Nels.) Raup is a tall perennial plant that can reach up to 3 feet in height. The plant produces multiple stems that are often reddish-brown or purplish in color, with green leaves that are slightly hairy. The flowers of the plant are usually blue or violet in color, with a yellow center, and consist of numerous small petals that form a star-shaped bloom. The plant blooms from late summer to fall and prefers moist, well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirements
Aster sibiricus L. var. meritus (A. Nels.) Raup prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade but may not bloom as profusely.
Temperature Requirements
This plant can tolerate cold temperatures down to -40°F (-40°C) and is well-suited for growing in USDA Zones 1 to 9. However, it does prefer cool summers and can suffer in very hot weather.
Soil Requirements
Aster sibiricus L. var. meritus (A. Nels.) Raup thrives in moist, well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It can tolerate a range of soil types, including sandy or clay soils, as long as the soil is not waterlogged or overly dry. The soil pH should be in the range of 6.0 to 7.0.
Cultivation methods
Aster sibiricus var. meritus is a perennial plant that can grow up to four feet tall and two feet wide. It prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. This plant grows well in USDA Hardiness Zones 3-8.
When planting, dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and deep enough so that the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface. Press the soil firmly around the root ball and water thoroughly.
This plant propagates easily through division or cuttings. Division should be done in early spring or fall, while cuttings should be taken during the summer or early fall.
Watering needs
Aster sibiricus var. meritus prefers consistent soil moisture but does not tolerate waterlogged soil. Water the plant deeply once a week during dry spells. If the soil is dry to the touch, it is time to water. Avoid overhead watering, which can encourage foliar diseases.
Fertilization
Apply a slow-release fertilizer in the spring at the recommended rate. Excessive nitrogen fertilization can cause the plant to become tall and floppy, so use a fertilizer with a lower nitrogen content.
Pruning
Pinch back the tips of young plants in the summer to encourage bushier growth. Deadhead spent blooms to encourage continuous blooming. Cut back the plant to a few inches above the soil line in the fall to encourage new growth in the spring. Remove any dead or diseased branches as soon as they are noticed.
Overview of Aster sibiricus L. var. meritus (A. Nels.) Raup
Aster sibiricus L. var. meritus (A. Nels.) Raup, commonly known as Siberian aster, is a showy perennial plant that belongs to the family Asteraceae. The plant produces attractive and colorful flowers that bloom from late summer to early fall and are attractive to butterflies and bees. Siberian aster is native to central and eastern Siberia but has been introduced to North America as an ornamental plant. The plant is hardy and can tolerate full sun or partial shade, making it an excellent addition to a garden border or mixed flower bed.
Propagation Methods for Aster sibiricus L. var. meritus (A. Nels.) Raup
Aster sibiricus L. var. meritus (A. Nels.) Raup can be propagated by both seed and division methods.
Propagation by Seed
Siberian aster can be propagated by planting seeds directly into the soil or starting them indoors and transplanting them later. Here are the steps to propagate Siberian aster by seed:
- Sow seeds in the spring or in the fall in well-draining soil.
- Plant seeds at a depth of 1/8 inch and about 12 inches apart.
- Germination will typically occur in 14-21 days.
- It is recommended to thin out the seedlings to a distance of 18-24 inches apart to prevent overcrowding.
Propagation by Division
Siberian aster can also be propagated through division of the plant's rhizomes. Here are the steps to propagate Siberian aster by division:
- Choose a healthy plant that is at least two to three years old.
- Dig up the entire plant in the early spring, taking care to keep the roots intact.
- Separate the rhizomes by gently pulling them apart with your hands or using a spade or knife, making sure that each division has roots and shoots.
- Replant the divisions in well-draining soil at the same depth as the original plant and water well.
- Divisions should be spaced 18-24 inches apart to avoid overcrowding.
Disease and Pest Management for Aster sibiricus L. var. meritus (A. Nels.) Raup
Aster sibiricus L. var. meritus (A. Nels.) Raup is a delicate flowering plant that is primarily valued for its ornamental purposes. However, as with most plants, it is also susceptible to various pests and diseases. Fortunately, there are several measures that you can put in place to prevent or effectively manage these threats.
Common Diseases
Powdery Mildew: This fungal disease is quite common in flowering plants, and it manifests as a white, powdery substance on the plant's foliage. You can control powdery mildew in Aster sibiricus L. var. meritus by ensuring adequate air circulation around the plant, avoiding overhead watering, and using fungicides as a last resort.
Leaf Spot: Leaf spot is also a fungal infection that appears as reddish-brown or black spots on the leaves of the Aster sibiricus L. var. meritus plant. Control measures include removing and disposing of the infected leaves, avoiding wetting the foliage, and using fungicides.
Common Pests
Aphids: These tiny insects cluster on the underside of the plant's leaves and extract sap, which leads to stunted growth and wilting. You should control aphids in Aster sibiricus L. var. meritus by attracting natural predators like ladybugs, washing them off with a strong jet of water, or using insecticidal soaps.
Spider Mites: These minute pests also suck sap from the plant's leaves, causing them to appear yellow and withered. To control spider mites, ensure the plant has adequate moisture and humidity, avoid overhead sprinkling, and use insecticidal soaps or miticides.
Conclusion
By implementing the methods described above, you can effectively manage the common pests and diseases of the Aster sibiricus L. var. meritus plant and keep it healthy and vibrant throughout the growing season.
