Origin and Common Names
Boltonia asteroides (L.) L'Hér. var. recognita (Fern. & Grisc.) Cronq. is a native North American perennial plant belonging to the family Asteraceae. It is commonly known as "dwarf boltonia" or "creeping boltonia" due to its compact and spreading growth habit.
General Appearance
The plant typically reaches a height of 1-3 feet and width up to 3 feet. The leaves of the plant are narrow and lance-shaped, measuring 2-4 inches in length and 0.5-1 inch in width. The leaves are blue-green in color and hairy. The flowers of the plant appear in late summer and early fall, in clusters at the top of the stems. The flowers are small, star-shaped, and white or pinkish in color. The plant produces numerous flowering stems that rise above the foliage.
Uses
Boltonia asteroides (L.) L'Hér. var. recognita (Fern. & Grisc.) Cronq. is commonly used as a garden plant due to its attractive foliage and beautiful flowers. It is often planted in borders or as a ground cover plant. The plant is also used for erosion control due to its spreading growth habit which helps to stabilize soil on slopes and hillsides. Additionally, the plant is used in wildlife gardens as it provides nectar and pollen for bees, butterflies, and other insects.
Growth Conditions for Boltonia asteroides var. recognita
Boltonia asteroides var. recognita is a flowering plant native to North America and typically found in wet meadows, marshes, and along stream banks. It is a hardy plant that can adapt to a range of conditions, although it thrives best under specific growth conditions as described below.
Light Requirements
Boltonia asteroides var. recognita prefers full sun to partial shade for optimal growth. This plant requires at least six hours of direct sunlight per day, but it can tolerate some shade, especially in hotter climates. When grown in full sun, the plant will produce more flowers and have a more compact growth habit, while too much shade will make it more leggy and prone to disease.
Soil Requirements
Boltonia asteroides var. recognita prefers moist to wet soils that are rich in organic matter and well-drained. It can tolerate soils with varying degrees of acidity and alkalinity but prefers a slightly acidic pH range of 6.0 to 6.5. The plant is moderately tolerant of soil salinity and can grow in soils with high levels of salts and sodium.
Temperature Requirements
Boltonia asteroides var. recognita is a hardy plant that can tolerate a range of temperatures. It prefers cooler temperatures and can grow in a variety of regions with cold winters and mild summers. This plant can thrive in USDA hardiness zones 3 through 8, where average winter temperatures can range from -40°F to 20°F (-40°C to -7°C) and summer temperatures range from 50°F to 95°F (10°C to 35°C).
Water Requirements
Boltonia asteroides var. recognita requires regular watering, especially during hot and dry spells. The plant should be watered thoroughly, but care must be taken to avoid overwatering, as this can cause root rot and other issues. It is recommended to water this plant deeply once a week during the growing season to ensure that the roots are well-watered and the soil remains moist.
Fertilizer Requirements
Boltonia asteroides var. recognita does not require heavy fertilization and can grow well on nutrient-rich soils. However, if the plant is growing slowly or appears pale or yellowish, a balanced fertilizer can be applied in early spring to encourage healthy growth. It is recommended to use a slow-release fertilizer and not to over-fertilize, as this can cause the plant to produce too much foliage at the expense of flowers.
Cultivation
Boltonia asteroides (L.) L'Hér. var. recognita (Fern. & Grisc.) Cronq. is a hardy perennial that is relatively easy to grow. It prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade. It can grow in a range of soil types, but it prefers well-draining soil that is consistently moist. Planting should occur in the spring or fall, and the plant should be spaced at least 18 inches apart.
Watering
Boltonia asteroides (L.) L'Hér. var. recognita (Fern. & Grisc.) Cronq. has moderate water needs, especially during hot and dry periods. It prefers evenly moist soil but does not tolerate waterlogged soil. It is good practice to water deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between watering.
Fertilization
Fertilization is not necessary for Boltonia asteroides (L.) L'Hér. var. recognita (Fern. & Grisc.) Cronq. as it can grow well without it. However, if desired, a balanced fertilizer can be applied once a year in the spring.
Pruning
Boltonia asteroides (L.) L'Hér. var. recognita (Fern. & Grisc.) Cronq. requires minimal pruning. Deadheading spent blooms can encourage the plant to produce more flowers. In the fall, once the plant has withered, it can be cut down to the ground to prepare for the winter season.
Propagation of Boltonia asteroides var. recognita
Boltonia asteroides var. recognita, also known as "recognized false aster," is a hardy perennial plant that is native to North America. This plant is typically propagated through the following methods:
Seed propagation
The easiest way to propagate Boltonia asteroides var. recognita is by sowing its seeds in the spring. The plant's seeds are small, black, and dry, and can be collected either from the wild or from the mature plant.
Before sowing the seeds, it needs to be stratified, which means it needs to be exposed to long periods of cold and moist conditions to break its dormancy. This step can be achieved by sowing the seeds in soil in the fall and keeping them in a cold frame or refrigerating them in damp sand.
In the spring, when all danger of frost has passed, sow the seeds in a sunny area with well-draining soil. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil and water them regularly. The seeds will germinate in two to three weeks.
Division propagation
Boltonia asteroides var. recognita can also be propagated through division. This method involves dividing the mature plant's root ball into smaller segments, each with foliage and roots, and transplanting them to a new location.
The best time to divide the plant is in the spring or fall. Carefully dig up the plant's root ball and divide it into two-to-three inch segments. Replant each segment in a well-draining soil mix and water thoroughly. Keep the soil moist until new growth appears.
Disease and Pest Management for Boltonia asteroides (L.) L'Hér. var. recognita (Fern. & Grisc.) Cronq.
Boltonia asteroides (L.) L'Hér. var. recognita (Fern. & Grisc.) Cronq. is a perennial plant that is native to North America. While it is generally a hardy and disease-resistant plant, it can still be affected by some common diseases and pests. Here are some tips for managing these issues:
Diseases
One of the most common diseases that can affect Boltonia asteroides is powdery mildew. This fungal disease appears as a white or gray powdery coating on the leaves and stems of the plant. To manage powdery mildew, it is important to remove and destroy any infected plant parts as soon as possible. You can also use a fungicide spray to help prevent the spread of the disease.
Another disease that can affect Boltonia asteroides is root rot. This is a fungal disease that attacks the roots of the plant, causing wilting and yellowing of the leaves. To manage root rot, it is important to avoid over-watering and to plant the Boltonia asteroides in well-draining soil. If the disease is already present, you may need to remove the infected plant and replant in a new location.
Pests
One of the most common pests that can affect Boltonia asteroides is spider mites. These tiny insects feed on the sap of the plant, causing yellowing and wilting of the leaves. To manage spider mites, you can use a natural insecticide, such as neem oil or insecticidal soap. You can also try blasting the plant with a strong spray of water to remove the mites.
Another pest that can affect Boltonia asteroides is the aphid. These small, soft-bodied insects also feed on the sap of the plant, causing wilting and stunted growth. To manage aphids, you can use the same natural insecticides as for spider mites or try introducing beneficial insects, such as ladybugs, which will feed on the aphids.
Overall, keeping your Boltonia asteroides healthy and well-maintained is the best way to prevent disease and pest issues. Proper watering, fertilization, and regular pruning will help keep your plant strong and disease-resistant.
