New England Aster
New England Aster Detailed Encyclopedia Introduction
Perennial herbaceous plant with autumn blooms in purple, an excellent ornamental and nectar plant.
Basic Info
Family：Asteraceae
Scientific Name：Symphyotrichum novae-angliae
Origin：Eastern North America
Flowering Period：Autumn (August-October)
Height：60-150 cm
Lifespan：Perennial
Morphology
Leaves：Alternate, lanceolate, entire or serrated margins, sessile
Flowers：Capitulum with purple or pink ray flowers, yellow disc flowers in center
Roots：Rhizomatous, well-developed root system
Stem：Upright, multi-branched, with soft hairs
Growth Habits
Soil Requirements：Not strict soil requirements, prefers loose, fertile, well-drained loam
Watering Needs：Prefers moisture, keep soil moderately moist
Light Requirements：Sun-loving, needs full sunlight
Temperature Requirements：Cold hardy, optimal growing temperature 15-25°C
Classification & Varieties
Main Classifications
Ornamental Varieties
Professional Care
✂️ Pruning Management
Pruning Timing：Spring pruning and after flowering
Pruning Method：Remove dead branches in spring, remove spent flowers after blooming
Pruning Purpose：Promote new growth, maintain attractive plant shape
Required Tools：Garden shears, gloves
🛡️ Pest & Disease Management
Common Pests：
Common Diseases：
Prevention Measures：Maintain ventilation, avoid dense planting, moderate watering
Treatment Methods：Spray fungicides or insecticides promptly when pests and diseases are found
🌱 Fertilization Management
Fertilizer Type：Compound fertilizer, organic fertilizer
Fertilization Frequency：Once monthly during growing season
Fertilization Timing：Spring through summer growing period
Fertilization Amount：20-30 grams per plant each time
💧 Water Requirements
Watering Frequency：Every 3-5 days in spring/summer, every 5-7 days in autumn
Watering Amount：Keep soil moist, avoid waterlogging
Watering Method：Water at root zone
Dehydration Signs：Wilted, drooping leaves with dull color
Basic Care Tips
- •Choose sunny location with at least 6 hours of light daily
- •Prefers fertile moist soil but also drought tolerant
- •Can divide in spring, maintain 30 cm spacing between plants
- •Can prune moderately in summer to promote more branching and flowering
- •Strong cold hardiness, no special winter protection needed
Ecology Value
Pollinators：Bees, butterflies, moths and other insects
Wildlife：Provides important food source for autumn pollinators and birds
Environmental Value：Beautifies environment, attracts pollinators, improves ecology
Cultural Symbolism
Symbolic Meaning：Memories, nostalgia, loyalty
Historical Background：Native North American plant, important component of autumn gardens
Related Festivals：Commonly used in autumn flower exhibitions and garden beautification
Artistic Expression：Classic material for natural gardens and prairie borders