General Culture:
Easily grown in average, medium, well-drained soil in full sun. Prefers rich soils. Good air circulation helps reduce incidence of foliar diseases. No need to pinch back this dwarf cultivar to control plant height. Plants may be cut to the ground after flowering, however, to prevent self-seeding (cultivar doesn't come true from seed) or if foliage has become unsightly.
Noteworthy Characteristics:
This New England aster cultivar grows to only 12-15" tall with a low, bushy-branching habit. Features a profuse bloom of rose-red daisy-like asters (to 1.5" diameter) which typically cover the foliage mound with bloom in early fall. No staking is required. Flowers are attractive to butterflies. The German cultivar name of 'Roter Stern' is sometimes translated by nurseries and sold as 'Red Star'.
Problems: Click for detailed list of pests and problems.
No serious insect or disease problems. Some susceptibility to powdery mildew. Aster wilt can also be an occasional problem, particularly if plants are grown in poorly-drained clay soils.
Uses:
Low-growing habit makes this aster a good plant for border fronts, large rock gardens or as an edging plant. Also effective in butterfly gardens.
© Missouri Botanical
Garden, 2001-2010
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