Plant Description:
Boltonia asteroides (L.) L'Hér. var. glastifolia (Hill) Fern. is a perennial herb belonging to the Asteraceae family. It can grow up to a height of 3-8 feet and has a spread of 2-3 feet. The plant has a very bushy growth habit, with the branches growing outwards from a central stem. The leaves are lanceolate and can reach up to six inches in length. The flowers are small and white, appearing in late summer and early fall in flat-topped clusters at the stem tips and in the leaf axils.
Origin:
Boltonia asteroides (L.) L'Hér. var. glastifolia (Hill) Fern. is native to North America, where it is found in wet meadows, swamps, and along stream banks. It is commonly found in the eastern and central parts of the United States from Maine to Florida, and westward to Texas and Minnesota.
Common Names:
Boltonia asteroides (L.) L'Hér. var. glastifolia (Hill) Fern. is commonly known by a variety of names, including white doll's daisy, false chamomile, starwort, and swamp aster. The plant's common name "doll's daisy" comes from the resemblance of the flower heads to the faces of dolls.
Uses:
Boltonia asteroides (L.) L'Hér. var. glastifolia (Hill) Fern. is primarily planted as an ornamental plant due to its beautiful white flowers and bushy growth habit. It is also used in wetland and stream restoration projects to stabilize soils and prevent erosion. Additionally, some Native American tribes reportedly used parts of the plant to make a medicinal tea for treating various ailments.
Growth Conditions for Boltonia asteroides (L.) L'Hér. var. glastifolia (Hill) Fern.
Light: Boltonia asteroides (L.) L'Hér. var. glastifolia (Hill) Fern. typically prefers full sun exposure to partial shade. It requires a minimum of six hours of direct sunlight per day for optimal growth. In shaded areas, the stem may grow tall and thin, while in full sun, it tends to be shorter and more robust.
Temperature: This plant grows best in temperate climates, although it can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. Ideally, the temperature should range from 60°F to 75°F during the day and a minimum of 50°F at night. Temperatures above 85°F can cause the plant to wilt and die, while temperatures below 40°F can affect its growth and cause it to become dormant.
Soil Requirements: Boltonia asteroides (L.) L'Hér. var. glastifolia (Hill) Fern. prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It can grow in a range of soil types, including clay, loam, and sand. However, it is sensitive to high levels of salinity and prefers a soil pH range of 5.5 to 6.5. Fertilizer may be necessary to maintain healthy soil nutrient levels.
Water: This plant prefers soil that is consistently moist, but not waterlogged. It requires regular watering, especially during prolonged periods of drought. Overwatering can lead to root rot and other diseases, while underwatering can cause wilting and other stress-related symptoms.
Maintenance: It is important to remove any dead or dying foliage from the plant regularly. Additionally, pruning may be necessary to control the plant's size and shape. Insects and diseases, such as leaf miners and powdery mildew, can affect the plant, although they are not typically serious problems. Pesticides and fungicides may be necessary to control these issues.
Cultivation Methods
Boltonia asteroides (L.) L'Hér. var. glastifolia (Hill) Fern. can be grown in USDA zones 3 to 9. It prefers full sun exposure and well-draining soil. The plant is easy to grow from seed, but it can also be propagated by division in the spring or fall. To grow from seed, start them indoors six to eight weeks before the last expected frost date. Sow the seeds in a seed-starting soil mixture, keep them moist, and provide light. After germination, transplant the seedlings into individual pots, and move them outdoors after the last frost date when they are six inches tall.Watering Needs
Boltonia asteroides (L.) L'Hér. var. glastifolia (Hill) Fern. prefers moist soil but can survive some drought. Water the plant once or twice a week, depending on the amount of rainfall and temperature. It's best to water the plant in the morning at the base to avoid wetting the foliage, which could lead to fungal infections.Fertilization
Boltonia asteroides (L.) L'Hér. var. glastifolia (Hill) Fern. does not require a lot of fertilization. Use a balanced fertilizer once in the spring or early summer to encourage healthy growth and flowering. Apply a granular fertilizer around the base of the plant, following the package instructions for application rates.Pruning
Prune Boltonia asteroides (L.) L'Hér. var. glastifolia (Hill) Fern. in the spring to encourage bushier growth and manage its size. Cut back the previous year's growth by half with pruning shears to a node where the next set of leaves will emerge. Doing this early in the growing season will promote the growth of new shoots and more flowers. Deadhead the flowers throughout the growing season to encourage more blooms.Propagation of Boltonia asteroides (L.) L'Hér. var. glastifolia (Hill) Fern.
Boltonia asteroides (L.) L'Hér. var. glastifolia (Hill) Fern. propagates easily by both seed and division. Here's a brief overview of each method:
Seed Propagation
Seeds of Boltonia asteroides var. glastifolia can be collected after the flower heads have dried out in the fall or purchased from a reputable seed supplier. To germinate, the seeds require light, moisture, and cool temperatures. Gardeners should consider stratifying the seeds in the refrigerator for at least a month before sowing them in pots filled with a light, well-draining soil mix. Once the seedlings have grown to a height of 3-4 inches, they can be transplanted into the garden in spring or fall.
Division Propagation
Propagation of Boltonia asteroides var. glastifolia by division is best done in the spring just as new growth begins. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the plant and separate the root clumps using a sharp knife or garden spade. Ensure each division has a portion of both roots and stems. Replant the divisions in well-prepared soil with plenty of organic matter. Water well and keep shaded until new growth begins, then gradually expose the plant to more sunlight.
Disease Management
Boltonia asteroides (L.) L'Hér. var. glastifolia (Hill) Fern. can suffer from various diseases such as powdery mildew, rust, and leaf spot. Powdery mildew appears as a white powdery layer on the leaves, while rust causes orange or brown spots on leaves. Leaf spot is characterized by black or brown spots with yellow halos on leaves.
To manage powdery mildew, it is essential to avoid overcrowding of plants. Prune and thin the foliage to allow proper air circulation. Fungicides such as neem oil can be used to control powdery mildew. Rust can be controlled by removing and destroying infected leaves and ensuring the plant is adequately watered. Copper-based fungicides may be used to manage rust. Leaf spot can be managed through cultural practices such as avoiding watering the plants from above and removing and destroying infected leaves. Fungicide application may also help control leaf spot.
Pest Management
The plant may also suffer from pests such as aphids, thrips, and spider mites. Aphids and thrips are small insects that feed on the plant juices, while spider mites suck the plant sap, resulting in the yellowing of the foliage.
To manage these pests, it is essential to practice good sanitation by removing and destroying any infested plant parts. Introducing beneficial insects such as ladybugs or lacewings can also help control aphids and thrips. Insecticidal soaps and neem oil may also be used to manage these pests. Spider mites can be managed through frequent watering of the plant and the application of insecticidal soap or neem oil.
