Aster, also known as Xiaoguanhua, Jiangxi wax, and July chrysanthemum, is an annual herbaceous plant in the Asteraceae family. It is native to the northern, central and eastern parts of China, and is now distributed in many places. It has a long flowering period and is suitable for planting in flower beds, and can also be used as a potted plant indoors.
Morphological characteristics
Aster plants are 20-100 cm tall, stems erect, multi-branched, single leaves alternate, ovate or oblong, coarsely serrate, lower leaves spoon-shaped, pinnate shallow or deeply lobed, dark green above, light green below, pubescent on both sides. The inflorescence is solitary at the end of the branch, 25-5 cm, tongue-shaped flowers white, pink, lilac or purple, tubular flowers yellow. The achenes are pubescent and have 2 layers of crown hairs.
Growth habits
Aster prefers a warm, humid and sunny environment, avoid heat, the suitable growth temperature is 15-25, and the growth period needs sufficient water and nutrients. It does not have strict soil requirements, but it is better to have loose, fertile, well-drained sandy loam.
Methods of reproduction
Aster is often propagated by sowing seeds, but it can also be propagated by ramifications or cuttings. Seeding propagation is carried out in March and April in spring, and the seeds are sown in the seedbed or potting soil, covered with soil and watered to keep the soil moist. Propagation is carried out during the spring repotting, and the mother plant can be planted separately. Propagation by cuttings takes place in spring or summer, where young shoots are cut and inserted into a sand bed.
Garden use
Aster plant type is plump and beautiful, the flowers are dense and gorgeous, and it has high ornamental value. It can be planted in flower beds, flower landscapes, flower bushes, and can also be used as potted ornaments. Aster has a long flowering period and can be one of the important flowers in summer and autumn. In addition, aster also has a certain medicinal value, the whole herb can be used in medicine, with the effect of clearing heat and detoxifying, brightening the eyes and so on.