Aster dwarf

The dwarf aster has a second name - true. Why, we will tell in the article. Also, learn all about planting and caring for flowers, since each plant is very picky in this regard, and it is important to remember this for every gardener, both experienced and just a beginner.

Dwarf aster: color description

Dwarf aster: photo of flowers

Dwarf asters are quite versatile, they do not put forward any requirements for their own care, they can delight with flowering throughout the summer and by autumn. They have a variety of colors, bright enough, which cannot but please the gardener. However, these asters are not at all designed to be cut and placed in a vase - they are ideal for decorating flower beds or garden paths, their small size and spectacular appearance can fit into any composition, and this is their huge advantage.

The versatility of dwarf asters also lies in the fact that planting of these plants is possible not only in the garden bed, and you can also not pre-grow seedlings: asters are planted simply in a pot or in a flowerpot. Vases and pots can decorate balconies and verandas, since asters are generally unpretentious, and can grow in such conditions without being embarrassed at all. It is worth remembering for gardeners, just like remembering that today a huge number of different types and varieties of asters have been bred. They differ from each other in the shape of the flower itself, in the bush and its appearance, in height and in terms of flowering. But in general, the flowers are not capricious enough, they have similar agricultural techniques, therefore, many measures for caring for some varieties and types of asters can be applied to other types and varieties of asters.

Low-growing varieties of dwarf asters for garden planting and pots

Dwarf aster: photo of flowers

As we have already noted, today there are a huge number of varieties and types of asters - breeders and specialists have calculated that there are more than 600 varieties of them. If the florist has decided to grow such flowers for the first time, then it is best to first get acquainted in more detail with the features of the plant. This is important because everyone should know how the flowers grow, how tall they will be when they bloom, and how normal inflorescences are presented. In addition, there are plants that require that they be dug up in the fall, what are the needs for watering and feeding the plants.

Only knowing what will grow on the site, the gardener will have an idea of ​​what result he is striving for, and that his efforts, time and finances will not be spent in vain. Of course, for a start, it is extremely important to choose a variety that will be suitable for a particular growing region, and will have positive characteristics. And among the dwarf varieties of asters, you can find the most stable and memorable ones.

• "Autumn Olympiad" - this is a variety of asters, the flowers of which can delight the gardener, from mid-summer to about autumn. The flowers have a delicate blue color, which reach about nine centimeters in diameter. At the same time, the bushes are quite small, about 25 centimeters high. Aster dwarf "autumn Olympics" prefers lighted, sunny areas, as well as dry soil. That is, like many asters, this variety loves the absence of excess moisture, since it can negatively affect the condition of the plant, its root system and the upper, deciduous and stem parts. It is recommended to plant asters at a distance from each other (about 30-40 centimeters).Thus, the aster branches will grow neatly, will not touch each other, but at the same time they will create a nice little living fence. The number of flowers on one bush is from 25 to 30 pieces.
• "Royal" astersa is another variety of dwarf asters that barely reach twenty centimeters in height. In general, they are considered the smallest among all dwarf varieties, and in general any varieties of asters. Flowers can be slightly taller only if the grower cannot provide the flower with sufficient lighting. The ideal dwarf aster is designed to beautify curbs and paths in personal plots or city flower beds with it. Most often, flowers of this variety are white or lavender. Despite the fact that the bushes are small, they are quite abundant, "stuffed", and also wide - up to 35 centimeters in diameter. Flowers - double, no more than eight centimeters. They look quite decorative, so they can be grown in city parks, also in private plots, in pots and pots. Unpretentious care is one of the main factors for which gardeners choose this variety (and in general this type of aster).

We also note that such a variety must be planted at a considerable distance from each other, since each bush, albeit small in size, needs space for development and growth. In other conditions, the bushes will be one-sided, and the flowers simply cannot be sufficiently saturated and voluminous. About 25 flowers can form on one bush, the variety is quite photophilous, which should be taken into account when choosing a place for planting. We also note that the planting of asters of this variety is preferable by the seedling method.

• "Baby curb" - this variety name just speaks for itself. The maximum height can be as little as 30 centimeters, they grow only with constant fertilization, as well as in the best conditions. The flowers are very large - almost 10 centimeters in diameter, the average height is still about 20 centimeters, this says that the plant is small, but very strong, and this is its advantage. The color of the flowers is usually pink, it can be rich, and it can be delicate. It is planted as a flower for decorating borders, and can successfully grow in pots on terraces and verandas. The decorative appearance of the flower will not make someone remain indifferent, it is very attractive, looks great on the site or as a decoration for a terrace and balcony.

As for the flowering of this variety, it usually begins in July. But a florist can sow seeds in containers in spring, and gradually transfer them outside in summer. Thus, you can speed up the flowering process of asters. Again, you can also grow this variety in the form of seedlings in March, use additional lighting options, and then the flowering time will also shift, it will happen much earlier than stated in the instructions and by the flower growers themselves.

• "Summer" - the variety received this name because flowering mainly occurs in the summer, usually closer to the end of July, in the midst of the summer season. It can last up to three months, but in general this is quite typical for asters. This variety also belongs to undersized, plants can give not only beautiful, but also large flowers - about 9 centimeters in diameter. But in order to achieve such a result, it is necessary to provide the astras with unique and sufficiently attentive care. Also, under these conditions, the flowering becomes even more abundant, the inflorescences themselves are needle-like, pink in color, they look very unusual, like typical needle-like asters.
• "Vologda lace" - this is one of the most beautiful varieties of low-growing asters, which have large white inflorescences on them - up to nine centimeters in size.At the same time, the height is small - 30 centimeters, like that of ordinary dwarf asters, while the bushes are very lush, luxurious, which distinguishes them from many other varieties. It is an early cultivar and begins to bloom in temperate climates around June. If you plant an aster in the southern, warm regions, then flowering will begin even earlier than the stated date. If the florist decides to plant this variety of asters in a harsh climate, then the seedlings must first be covered so that they have time to adapt. Flowering begins in July, but the beauty of the plant is not lost at all from this, you just need to take into account some features of the climate and temperatures. The flowers are needle-like, snow-white in color, strewn all over the bush, like a lace scarf.

Dwarf aster: growing from seeds

Dwarf aster: video about plants

The dwarf aster, of course, is a special plant, so you should also take into account some of the peculiarities of planting and care. First, let's dwell in more detail on the soil. If the gardener wants perfect splendor, and also to increase the duration of flowering, then he must still not take into account the unpretentiousness of the plant, and take any measures. It is necessary to plant asters immediately in good, prepared soil, and it is also important to remember that various dressings, even of the simplest composition, are simply necessary for asters. If the land is depleted, poor, barren, then fertilizer should be applied about once a week. If the soil is moderately fertile, then it will be enough to feed it once a month. Asters can be fed with some complex dressings and preparations. To a particular extent, they welcome complexes with a high content of components such as potassium and phosphorus. In this case, it is not recommended to add nitrogen. If we talk about organic fertilizers, then manure and droppings should be abandoned: rotted compost or humus, which is kneaded in the soil, is ideal.

Another requirement that Kalik aster makes to the soil is its breathability. If the earth holds back an abundant amount of moisture, then the root system does not accept this at all. It can start to rot, and this will lead to rotting of the soil. During planting, it is best to add sand or perlite to the bottom of the holes, but on top it is already worth adding a little humus. After each period of watering, the beds can be slightly loosened - the roots will receive oxygen, which will reduce the risk of infection with any disease or parasites.

Before sowing or before the grown seedlings are transferred to the soil, it is best to test it for acidity. This can be done in the most elementary way - using a litmus test. Asters prefer neutral soils, as well as soils with a weak manifestation of alkalis. In order to reduce the level of acidity in the soil, it is worth sprinkling lime on the site.

If we talk about watering dwarf asters, as well as the most common diseases among dwarf asters, then everything is quite prosaic: asters love soil moisture, but everything should be in moderation. If there was a lot of precipitation during the season, this means that the grower should loosen the ground more often so that there is no stagnation in the soil. If the moisture was in moderation, then it is enough to water the asters about twice a week. If the weather is dry and hot, then it is best to give the asters daily watering. Many also come to the conclusion that watering is best done not with fresh water, but with settled water, and in general, this way you can water both seedlings and those plants that have been planted in open ground. But in this case, gardeners still recommend using the method that will be convenient, and do not insist on any one.The most important thing is to ensure that no crusts form on the surface of the soil and that parasites do not multiply, which can cause incredible harm to the entire plant or even the whole area where dwarf asters grow.

If we mentioned the parasites that attack asters, then we will dwell on them in more detail. The dwarf aster does not often suffer from attacks from insects, but if this happens, then most often it is aphids or thrips that settle directly on the flowers. It is best to take preventive measures, since if the insects have multiplied to colonies, then it will be as difficult to fight as possible. First, it is necessary to shed the soil along with the planting of the seeds. For this, a mixture of boiling water and potassium permanganate or boiling water and hydrogen peroxide is best suited. In fact, the option is not only the simplest, but also the most effective, which is confirmed by practice.

Also, the site can be sprinkled with ash or onion husks, and also made on the basis of these components of the tincture. Another option is that the florist rubs the laundry soap and spills the area with the resulting mixture right before planting. Insects are also not very fond of various fragrant spices, as well as odorous herbs - mint, wormwood. Therefore, they can also be used at the stage of pre-sowing preparation of the site, and also, if insects attack plants, you can spray it with solutions based on these herbs. For the prevention of plants, irrigation with soapy water, water mixed with manganese, copper sulfate or Bordeaux mixture is also used. All these techniques are equally effective if you use them on time, without delaying and, thereby, without provoking disease. Of course, there are many chemicals and drugs that can also be used to protect the plant from disease and pests. You can find them in any professional store for a gardener, but you should carefully study the instructions, because improper use of the drug can lead to the fact that the plant will not benefit, but colossal harm.