Aster x Frikartii 'Monch' (Aster)

This plant is one of the earliest flowering asters and is one of the most popular border plants.  It produces masses of lavender blue, daisy like flowers which last for many weeks.

History

The name Aster is derived from the greek word for star. Aster x frikartii was cultivated in Switzerland around 1920 and is the result of crossing Aster amellus, which has large flowers and Aster thomsonii which is noted for its long flowering season.

Planting

Pot bought specimins can be planted any time of year, but plant divisions should be planted in autumn when it has died back. Dig a hole larger than the root ball, loosen the soil at the bottom and mix in a general fertiliser.  Place the plant so that the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface, backfill, firm in carefully around the roots and water in well. This will ensure good soil and root contact, and give the plant a good start.

Propagation

Division (Plants can be divided March to May), Cuttings (using side shoots).

Cultivation

Will grow well in any reasonably fertile, moist but well drained soil in a sunny position but with some shade. It will need watering during hot dry spells in summer.

Aftercare

Apply a general fertiliser in March/April as it starts to grow and use bamboo canes or twiggy sticks to stake the plant in May/June. Dead head to prolong flowering and after the flowers have faded, cut the stems down to the ground.  Apply a mulch of well rotted organic material to the base of the plant which will not only be a good source of food but also improve the soil structure. Lift and divide every few years.

Pests

Aphids, Rabbits.

Diseases

Crown rot may be a problem if conditions are wet, especially in winter.

Other information

Aster x Frikartii 'Monch' has been given the prestigious 'Award of Garden Merit' by the Royal Horticultural Society. This plant is also attractive to butterflies, bees and some birds.

Height/Spread

A later flowering herbacious perennial that can grow up to 90cm tall. It flowers freely from mid summer to autumn (July to September). Narrow, dark green, thick, tough leaves, 3-4 cm long, are oval in shape with a hairy upper side. Thin long stems that tend to bow, support masses of long lasting, 5-6cm, lavender-blue, daisy-like flowers with gold/orange centres. It produces small fluffy white seeds as the flowers die in late autumn, which are dispersed by the wind.

Annual care

March

Apply a general fertiliser just as the plant starts to grow.

May

Use twiggy sticks to stake the plant.

July

Dead head to prolong flowering.

September

After flowering cut faded stems down to the ground and apply a mulch of well rotted organic material round the base of the plant.

October