Astra - classification

Astra: the most detailed characteristic, the most common classifications.

Aster belongs to the corresponding Aster family - they can be both annual and perennial, but in this article we will describe annuals in more detail.

Asters are classified according to characteristics such as:

• bush habit;
• the structure of the inflorescence and the structure of the flower.

By the nature of growth, bushes can vary in their form from columnar to broadly spreading forms, again, much is determined by the characteristics of the variety. Height varies from 15 centimeters (dwarf asters) to 80 centimeters (tall). If you provide asters with decent care, then the height can reach one meter. In terms of height, we also mention once again that there can be three groups of asters: tall asters from half a meter to 80 centimeters; medium - from 30 centimeters to half a meter. Dwarf asters are the smallest representatives, their height does not exceed 30 centimeters.

If we talk about the shape of the structure of the flower, then they can be peony, chrysanthemum, spherical. This is all reflected in their appearance and characteristics, on their decorative features, as well as on whether these will be single plantings, or asters will be planted as part of the overall composition. The main stem is usually straight, straight, can be quite short, but it is absolutely strong. Covered with dense hairs, which makes the stem slightly velvety to the touch. From the axils, from 5 to 10 stems of the first and subsequent orders can develop, which then give flowering. The leaf arrangement on the stem is alternate, the lower leaves are serrated, they can be larger than those that are located slightly higher.

The inflorescence of asters is usually basket-shaped. It is wrapped in numerous leaves of the appropriate shade for the variety. The inner leaves are scarious, colorless. And the outer ones are juicy green. As a rule, two main types of flowers can be found in the inflorescence of asters. On the edge of the inflorescence there are pseudo-ligate flowers, their length is from 3 to 8 centimeters. The decorativeness of asters in most cases depends on how many rows of reed flowers are located in the inflorescence. The more rows, the higher the doubleness of the flower, and the more decorative and attractive it looks due to such completeness.

Astra: classification, types and varieties

Classification of asters: video instruction on the types and varieties of asters

Depending on the ratio of pseudo-reed and tubular flowers in the inflorescence, three classes of aster varieties can be distinguished - tubular, transitional and reed. All of them differ from each other in quantity, splendor of flowering, as well as in how decorative the asters will look if one or another type of flowers is predominant. Of course, the external characteristics entirely depend on which variety will be selected by the gardener, because everyone is guided by both the appearance and what the decorative characteristics are, as well as how the flower behaves in care. Depending on a particular garden group, as well as on a variety, the flowering duration can vary from 15 to 50 days, and the seeds ripen 40 days after flowering begins.

In general, plant care is also important, because the care of the grower, his ability to give the plant worthy attention in one way or another - all this also affects how the plant will react to certain factors, how it will develop, what will be the period its flowering.

As a rule, the most important characteristics of the classification of asters are their shape, the size of the inflorescence, as well as the size of the resulting flowers.The height, shape of the bush - all this also directly depends on the variety that is selected by the grower for further cultivation, therefore, it is necessary to initially understand which variety the gardener selects, what result he strives for, whether he wants the plant to play only a decorative role of a hedge or decoration of flower beds or borders, or he wants to make bouquets in the future with the attraction of aster flowers. It is also necessary to select a variety depending on climatic and temperature conditions, although, as practice shows, in general, asters are quite unpretentious plants that can bloom even in the most severe conditions, this will not be a problem or an obstacle for them. The flowering period can only shift, but all other characteristics will remain at their best.