What is the common name of the Dutch aster? Detailed guide to cultivation methods and precautions

There is a naturally serene quality about it; after blooming, the whole expanse comes in purple, pink, light purple and white, making you feel as if you are in an earthly paradise. This describes the New York aster (Symphyotrichum novi-belgii), also known as the Dutch aster. The New York aster originates from North America and is an introduced species. It belongs to the Asteraceae family, genus Symphyotrichum, and is a perennial herbaceous plant with persistent roots. It is mostly seen in parks or botanical gardens. It carries abundant nectar, and its flowering period is generally from August to October. During the flowering period, because of the large amount of pollen and nectar present, it attracts bees, insects and others to pollinate.

In appearance, it looks somewhat like a small daisy, but its leaves have rough fine hairs, and the leaf shape is linear-lanceolate. The inflorescence is arranged in a corymb, and although the flowers are small, they are numerous and delicate. As for care, the New York aster is fairly easy to grow. It is not particular about soil and is suitable for growing in fertile and loose sandy soil. Its living environment is both drought-tolerant and cold-tolerant, and as long as conditions are not extreme, it can grow vigorously.

In terms of growth habits and flowering period, the New York aster likes a sunny environment, and it can grow better at growth temperatures within the range of 5 to 30°C.

For watering, you can generally touch the soil with your hand, and confirming that it is moist means it is in the best state. It can tolerate a certain degree of drought, and usually the watering frequency does not need to be too frequent, making it suitable for lazy gardeners. In addition, after watering, be careful that there is no standing water in the saucer under the flower pot.

For fertilizing, although the New York aster is drought-tolerant and tolerant of poor soil, it is a plant with abundant flowers, so during the growing period it is recommended to give it decomposed liquid fertilizer about once every ten days, with the concentration controlled at around 15%. During the flowering period, it is necessary to apply some fertilizer promptly according to its growth condition, so as to replenish the nutrients consumed. In addition, be careful to avoid excessive fertilizer and water, to prevent excessive vegetative growth.

The New York aster has relatively many pests and diseases, and in daily care you should also watch out for aphids, red spider mites and similar issues. If only a small number of eggs are found, you can remove them with scissors and throw them away, or you can spray the leaves with chili water, edible vinegar and so on to eliminate the insects. If the number of insects is large, then you need to spray insecticide, usually once every 10 days, for a total of 2 to 3 consecutive sprays, which can basically get rid of the pests.