Growing Facts on the Georgia Aster

Characteristics

• As its name suggests, the Georgia aster is native to states in the southeastern part of the U.S. It grows in small, isolated populations in woodlands and has become scarce in the wild. When cultivated in a garden, the plant grows as a clumping, fall-blooming perennial that reaches a height of about 2 or 3 feet. It has brightly colored, royal blue-to-violet, daisy-like flowers that have especially narrow petals and yellow centers. Flowers appear from late September through mid-November, followed by small brown seeds. Generally easy-to-grow, Georgia aster is deciduous, often dying to the ground over winter but re-growing each spring.

Sun and Soil

• The Georgia aster tends to spread slowly by expanding its roots, forming a broad clump after a few years. It grows best in full sun to filtered shade and can scorch if exposed to full sun for the entire day, especially in regions with hot summer sun. A spot that gets morning sun, followed by shifting shade in the afternoon, is ideal for this plant. The Georgia aster is adaptable to most soils and does well in any garden soil, although adding some compost can increase soil fertility and give the plant a boost. It doesn't do well in soil that tends to stay wet for long periods, but adding some sand at planting can help improve soil drainage.

Water

• The Georgia aster is a tough, carefree plant once established. A newly planted specimen benefits from regular, even watering, helping the plant get off to a good start. The plant also is adaptable to dry conditions and can tolerate dry spells well, although giving a plant extra water during these periods helps keep it growing steadily. Adding a 2- to 3-inch layer of organic mulch in the spring helps conserve soil moisture and also keeps down weeds that compete for soil nutrients.

Propagation and Pruning

• The Georgia aster is relatively slow growing, but can spread beyond its bounds after several years. Keep it to the size you want by using a sharp spade to cut through outer parts of the plant, cutting through its roots and trimming it back around its circumference. This is done best in spring, when growth is just starting. After cutting a specimen back, fill in the space with soil and water the plant well to help promote new root growth. Replant the pieces you remove in other locations to start new clumps. The plant also responds well to pruning, either by removing branches or pinching back growing tips. This promotes a more compact, bushy plant and is done best in winter or early spring, to allow flower buds to form for the fall blooming season.