The New Belgian or smooth-leaf aster (bot. Aster novi belgii) is one of the tall-growing asters. Genetically it is closely related to the rather low-growing cushion asters (bot. Aster dumosus). Accordingly, their needs are quite similar.
Is the Aster novi belgii hardy and how do I protect it in winter?
The New Belgian Aster (Aster novi belgii) is hardy, but benefits from winter protection, especially for young plants. Cut the aster back in autumn or spring and cover it with leaves, brushwood or compost in winter to protect it from frost and wind.
The smooth-leaf aster has the same soil and care requirements as cushion asters and is just as hardy as them. However, with a few precautionary measures you can make overwintering easier for the aster. This is particularly recommended for young plants.
How do I prepare the New Belgian Aster for winter?
You can cut back the New Belgian aster in both spring and autumn. If you have decided to cut back in autumn, then cover the aster over the winter. How to protect the plant from frost and cold wind.
A layer of leaves or brushwood is sufficient as winter protection for the root ball. However, if you use compost instead, you will give your aster a good jump-start for next spring. Pruning in spring is recommended, especially in the first year. Then remove any shoots that may have frozen.
How do I care for the New Belgian Aster in winter?
The Aster novi belgii does not require any special care in winter. An older aster can survive light frost even without winter protection, but cold wind can do more damage. Early snowfall is ideal because the snow protects your aster optimally from wind and even from drying out.
If you have planted your New Belgian aster in a pot, it is best to move the plant to winter quarters. This does not necessarily have to be frost-free; the aster can withstand temperatures around freezing point quite well. However, if the winter is frost-free, it should be watered a little regularly.
If the aster is left outside in a planter over the winter, then protect the roots from frost, for example with an old blanket or bubble wrap (€14.00 on Amazon) that you wrap around the pot.
The most important things in brief:
- relatively hardy
- Winter protection recommended, especially for young asters
- Do not remove snow under any circumstances
- Protect potted plants from frost
Tip
The Aster novi belgii is basically hardy, but can definitely use a little winter protection.
