Caring for summer asters is not special, but rather similar to that for other perennials. But does it actually make sense to invest a lot of time and energy in summer asters or do they die in the first year?
Are summer asters perennial plants?
Summer asters are annual plants and belong to the genus Callistephus. They need to be re-sown or purchased and planted every year to bloom in your garden, window box or pot.
Summer asters – annual plants
Many plant lovers will probably look sad now, but: Unfortunately, summer asters are only annual plants. This distinguishes them from the autumn asters that are known and widespread in this country. These are perennial and become wider with age.
Summer asters are not asters
The name is misleading because summer asters are actually not asters. While autumn asters belong to the genus Aster, summer asters belong to the genus Callistephus. Depending on the region, they are also known as garden asters.
Germinate in the first year, bloom in the first year
The summer aster is pre-cultivated in spring or sown directly outdoors from May. Within a few weeks, young plants have already formed and will grow vigorously until summer.
In summer, these plants reach a height of up to 70 cm. This makes them lower than autumn asters. Then the flowering period begins, because summer asters are in a hurry. The basket flowers are present until autumn.
Start sowing again every year
If you want to see the summer aster in your garden, balcony box or a pot on the terrace every year, you have to put in the work. Since the plant is only an annual, it must be sown or purchased and planted every year. To save costs, it is recommended to collect the seeds in autumn and sow them in spring.
How you can recognize a summer aster
You can recognize a summer aster by these features, among others:
- Flowering period: July to October
- Growth height: 40 to 70 cm
- upright to spreading growth
- yellow, red, pink, purple or white flowers
- rough hairy stems
- Leaves: ovoid-triangular, serrated at the edge
- not hardy
Tip
Summer asters are ideal for summer borders, cottage gardens and cut flower beds!