Aster: varieties, growing and uses
The name aster covers two very different garden plans. China asters are sown for one season; autumn asters build a perennial clump over several years. First decide whether you want a cutting bed for this summer or a permanent strip that adds colour when many other flowers have finished.
This image was created with AI from described plant characteristics and growing advice. It shows a possible situation and is not a photograph of a verified cultivar.
- Use
- This selection is for ornamental and cut flowers. No claim about edibility or flavour is made.
- Care
- Most asters like sun and soil that does not dry out completely in summer. Avoid prolonged winter waterlogging. Preferably plant perennial asters in spring and support tall forms early. Check young shoots for slugs and snails and give each plant room for air circulation.
- Harvest and flowering
- Cut fresh stems for the vase without stripping the whole clump. On perennial asters, leave a few flower heads and stems for winter interest and wildlife. Named perennial selections are preserved more reliably by division than by seed.
Discover varieties and growth habits
This image was created with AI from described plant characteristics and growing advice. It shows a possible situation and is not a photograph of a verified cultivar.
China aster — Callistephus chinensis
Annual: sow again each year for summer flowers.
Use: This selection is for ornamental and cut flowers. No claim about edibility or flavour is made.
Use of the species; this selection has been developed around colour, shape or growing characteristics.View growing and harvesting →Place in my garden
This image was created with AI from described plant characteristics and growing advice. It shows a possible situation and is not a photograph of a verified cultivar.
New England aster — Symphyotrichum novae-angliae
Perennial autumn aster for returning late colour.
Use: This selection is for ornamental and cut flowers. No claim about edibility or flavour is made.
Use of the species; this selection has been developed around colour, shape or growing characteristics.View growing and harvesting →Place in my gardenThis image was created with AI from described plant characteristics and growing advice. It shows a possible situation and is not a photograph of a verified cultivar.
New York aster — Symphyotrichum novi-belgii
Perennial type needing extra attention to summer moisture.
Use: This selection is for ornamental and cut flowers. No claim about edibility or flavour is made.
Use of the species; this selection has been developed around colour, shape or growing characteristics.View growing and harvesting →Place in my gardenChoose your way to grow
This image was created with AI from described plant characteristics and growing advice. It shows a possible situation and is not a photograph of a verified cultivar.
This image was created with AI from described plant characteristics and growing advice. It shows a possible situation and is not a photograph of a verified cultivar.
Perennial autumn border
Give a perennial clump a recurring place in the garden.
- Plant in spring.
- Keep a maintenance path clear.
- Install support before tall stems start to droop.
For a permanent border with late flowering.
Annual summer cutting bed
China aster suits a bed replanted every year.
- Sow Callistephus chinensis in spring according to the seed packet.
- Plant out after frost.
- Remove faded flowers and keep species separate with labels.
For annually changing cutting flowers.
Not every aster is the same plant
Callistephus chinensis is annual China aster; Symphyotrichum novae-angliae and S. novi-belgii are perennial autumn asters. Updated names help buying: China aster seed does not replace perennial clumps. These names avoid presenting random colour mixes as three varieties.
Design for late summer
Put perennial autumn asters behind low vegetable edges where their height does not shade entire beds. Combine late flowers with spent coneflowers or grasses. Leave a reachable path: today's small pot plant later needs support, inspection and perhaps division.
Prevent collapse before flowering
Give tall types a support ring or branched twigs before stems fall together. Let plants grow through supports instead of tightly bunching fallen stems. Check soft ties after weeks; stems must move without rubbing sharp cord.
Compare a season
Record first flowering, mature height and mildew position. Choose next time for your conditions, not just colour. Start with one perennial autumn aster and a small China aster row to observe differences in lifespan, care and flowering time.
Scent, flavour and use
This selection is for ornamental and cut flowers. No claim about edibility or flavour is made.
Care, cutting and harvesting
Most asters like sun and soil that does not dry out completely in summer. Avoid prolonged winter waterlogging. Preferably plant perennial asters in spring and support tall forms early. Check young shoots for slugs and snails and give each plant room for air circulation.
Annual Callistephus benefits from deadheading. On perennial asters, dead top growth may remain until clearing. Divide ageing clumps every few years in March or April; this is division, not hard shrub pruning.
Cut fresh stems for the vase without stripping the whole clump. On perennial asters, leave a few flower heads and stems for winter interest and wildlife. Named perennial selections are preserved more reliably by division than by seed.
Cutting, caring and following the season
Annual Callistephus benefits from deadheading. On perennial asters, dead top growth may remain until clearing. Divide ageing clumps every few years in March or April; this is division, not hard shrub pruning.
Species information and annual cycle
- Space
- Recommended spacing is missing. Check the plant label or seed packet; unknown space does not count as free space.
- Soil
- No pH range supported by sources is included. Test your soil and follow species and variety guidance.
- Season
- An indicative growth estimate is included; actual development still needs checking.
- Care
- Guide advice is available; the automatic species task matrix is not yet complete. Check the plant regularly and plan a task yourself if needed.
What you need
Tick what you already have. The extras depend on how you grow.
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Make it your garden
Save your favourite variety or add it to My garden. Your own observations determine the growth stage; care tasks are based on the species.
Add Aster to my gardenExplore more flowersSources and image information
SeedSteps editorial team · checked on 13 October 2026. Flavour descriptions come from the listed sources; ripeness and growing conditions affect flavour. AI images illustrate described characteristics and do not prove cultivar identity.
- Symphyotrichum novi-belgiiPrairie Moon Nursery · 2026-10-13
- Symphyotrichum novae-angliaePrairie Moon Nursery · 2026-10-13
- How to grow astersRoyal Horticultural Society · 2026-10-13
- Callistephus chinensisNC State Extension · 2026-10-13