There are different types of asters. Asters belong to the Asteraceae family, which is one of the largest plant families. Within this family, there are various species and cultivars of asters that offer a range of colors, sizes, and growth habits.
One common type of aster is the New England aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae). This perennial aster is native to North America and is known for its vibrant purple, pink, or white flowers that bloom in late summer and early fall. It typically grows to a height of 3 to 6 feet and prefers full sun to partial shade.
Another popular type is the New York aster (Symphyotrichum novi-belgii). This aster also produces colorful flowers in shades of pink, purple, or blue, but it tends to be shorter than the New England aster, reaching heights of 1 to 3 feet. Like the New England aster, it thrives in full sun to partial shade.
There are also several cultivars of asters available, which have been bred for specific characteristics. For example, the ‘Purple Dome’ aster is a compact variety that only grows to about 18 inches in height, making it suitable for smaller gardens or containers. It produces masses of deep purple flowers and is a favorite among gardeners.
The ‘Alma Potschke’ aster is another popular cultivar with bright pink flowers that bloom in late summer. It grows to a height of 2 to 3 feet and adds a cheerful pop of color to the garden.
In addition to these varieties, there are many other types of asters, including the aromatic aster (Symphyotrichum oblongifolium) with its fragrant foliage, the smooth aster (Symphyotrichum laeve) with its smooth stems, and the sky-blue aster (Symphyotrichum oolentangiense) with its delicate blue flowers.
Each type of aster has its own unique characteristics and growing requirements. It’s important to choose a type that is well-suited to your specific climate and growing conditions. Some asters, like the New England aster, prefer cool, moist summers and cool nights, while others can tolerate warmer temperatures.
In my own experience as a gardener, I have grown different types of asters in my garden. I found that the New England aster and New York aster were both reliable performers, producing abundant blooms and attracting pollinators to my garden. The ‘Purple Dome’ aster was a great choice for adding color to a small space, while the ‘Alma Potschke’ aster created a stunning display with its bright pink flowers.
The variety of asters available allows gardeners to choose the type that best suits their preferences and growing conditions. Whether you prefer tall, showy asters or compact varieties, there is a type of aster out there for everyone.
