Aster 'Wonder of Stafa'

MICHAELMAS DAISY
Family: Asteraceae
Pronounced: As-ter FRICK-urt-ee-eye

Quick Jumps

Growing Guide
Rainy Side Notes

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GROWING GUIDE

Country of Origin:
Garden.
Plant group:
Perennial.
Hardiness:
Sunset zones: All (Western). USDA zones: 5-8.
Mature size:
Height: 28 inches (71 cm). Width: 16 inches (40 cm).
Flowering period:
August until first frost.
Flowering attributes:
Lavender-blue flowers with orange centers.
Leaf attributes:
Dark green leaves.
Growth habit:
Clump forming.
Light:
Full sun.
Soil:
Moderately fertile, well-drained soil.
Feeding:
A mulch of compost or manures in fall. Apply a complete organic fertilizer in spring. After cutting back growth in early summer, a light feeding of fish fertilizer will help with new leaf growth.
Propagation methods:
Division in early spring or late fall. | Root basal cuttings in spring.
Pruning methods:
Cut plants back by half in late May or early June to promote bushier growth. The plants may need staking.

 

Rainy Side Notes

Around 1920 at the Stafa Nursery in Switzerland, Karl Frikart crossed an eastern European species A. amellus with A. thomsonii, native to the Himalayans in Pakistan. He came up with the Frikart's asters - A. 'Mönch' and A. 'Wonder of Stafa'.

Aster 'Wonder of Stafa' is an important element in the autumn garden. It is very similar to A. 'Mönch', only taller and a little lighter in flower color, and makes a good cut flower. Unlike many asters, it is not susceptible to powdery mildew. These cultivars are great butterfly and bee plants.

Article: Planning a Colorful Autumn Garden.

More Asters.

Photographed in author's garden.