The cushion aster (bot. Aster dumosus) is botanically closely related to the smooth-leaf aster (bot. Aster novi belgii). Therefore, their demands for care do not differ significantly from each other. The location is also similar for both species.

The cushion aster feels most comfortable in the sun

Plant cushion asters correctly

Pillow asters do not grow particularly tall (about 10 to 50 cm), but they do spread, as their name suggests. With a combination of different colored asters, you can let your garden shine tone-in-tone or colourful. You can hope for a particularly rich bloom if you plant your cushion asters in a sunny spot with nutrient-rich soil.

Water and fertilize cushion asters properly

Water your cushion asters regularly to keep the soil from drying out, but not so much that it becomes waterlogged. Pillow asters do not tolerate either of these very well, but the damage caused by moisture is usually far greater than any damage caused by drought. If you fertilize these plants twice a year (in spring and after flowering), then that is quite sufficient.

Propagating cushion asters

If you would like to grow your cushion asters yourself, we recommend growing them in pots. But sowing outdoors is also possible in a warm and sheltered place. Plant out your cushion asters in early autumn, then they will be well rooted by winter and ready to bloom profusely next year. In addition, cushion asters reproduce themselves through root suckers.

Pillow asters overwinter

In principle, a well-established cushion aster does not need any special winter protection. After flowering, you can cut off the asters at ground level in late autumn. Young plants tolerate a layer of leaves, compost or brushwood quite well. Cold wind can affect the cushion asters more than low temperatures, so they should be in a wind-protected place or at least protected from it in winter.

The essentials in brief:

  • Sowing: warm and sheltered
  • recommended: cultivation in a pot
  • Plant out: in early autumn
  • pour: vigorously
  • fertilize: little
  • Flowering time: September to November
  • Pruning: promotes new growth, cut off at ground level after flowering
  • suitable as a cut flower

tips

Feel free to plant different colored cushion asters together in the bed, but leave enough space between them. You will soon have a colourful, easy-care garden.

Category:

Vegetable garden