![]() Smooth Blue Aster is a rhizomatous perennial that reaches heights of up to three feet. In a joint effort to expand the knowledge and understanding of the flora and fauna of Polk County, Conserving Carolina and botanist/ecologist David Campbell need your help in locating this month’s “Polk County’s Most Wanted-Plant,” the enigmatic Smooth Blue Aster ( Symphyotrichum laeve). ![]() They make a traditional gift for birthdays in the month of September, or for 20th wedding anniversaries.Polk County’s Most Wanted – Smooth Blue Aster Have you seen Smooth Blue Aster? In the language of flowers, these starry blossoms symbolize elegance or daintiness. Originally from the Greek language, "aster" means "star." At one time, asters were called starworts, frost flowers, or Michaelmas daisies in spite of their daisy-like petals, asters are actually diminutive members of the sunflower family. Its bright, unusually large blooms and adaptability to almost any soil make it an excellent choice for home gardens or prairie plantings. This New England native has become threatened or endangered in some states, though it can still be found occasionally in coastal, sandy areas or open pine woods. Adaptability to almost any soil makes Aster Spectabilis an excellent choice for gardens or prairie plantings. This New England native has become endangered in some states, though it can be found occasionally in coastal, sandy areas or open woods. IN-STOCK ORDERS SHIP THE NEXT BUSINESS DAY VIA THE US POST OFFICE. Clean the Aster Spectabilis seed as well as possible, then store it in a cool, dry place. Cut the mature seed heads, or shake them into a container to remove the seed material. Since sparrows and goldfinches love to eat the seed, harvest it promptly to avoid loss. Seed Saving: After flowering, the plant will produce seed heads containing small clusters of seed with white fluff. Cut the stems long, choosing flowers that have just opened. Harvesting: Asters make lovely cut flowers. The flowers attract numerous bees and butterflies, providing a valuable source of nectar in late fall. Cut the stalks down to the ground at the end of the growing season for easier growth in the spring. Mature plants will benefit from division after two or three years of growth. Keep weeds under control, since this plant does not like competition. The lower leaves have a tendency to wither in dry weather. ![]() As the plant grows taller, it tends to become top heavy and may need support or staking. It tolerates drought, though it grows best with regular watering young plants especially need regular moisture. Growing: This showy aster plant prefers full sun or partial shade and medium soil, though it adapts to almost any soil from moist to dry. ![]() Transplant the seedlings after the last frost of spring. To start the stratified seed indoors, sow it in a flat keep the soil evenly moist and at a temperature of 65-70 degrees F until germination, which should take place within 14-20 days. If direct sown in the spring, the showy aster seed must be stratified first by mixing it with moist sand and stored in the refrigerator for 6-8 weeks. Sowing: Direct sow the Aster Spectabilis seed in late fall, planting it just under the surface and watering it once.
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