Douglas Aster

SKU: FL1215
This BC native wildflower is found in nearly every part of the province, from Haida Gwaii to the Southern Interior, and south well into Washington and Oregon. Douglas Aster is a perennial that is hardy in Zones 5 to 9, and can reach as tall as 1m (3'). Read More

Exposure Full-sun to partial shade

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Attracts Pollinators
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West Coast Seeds ships anywhere in North America. However, we are not able to ship garlic, potatoes, asparagus crowns, bulbs, onion sets, Mason bee cocoons, or nematodes outside of Canada. We regret, we cannot accept returns or damages for orders outside of Canada. The minimum shipping charge to the US is $9.99.

Douglas Aster

Product Details

Symphyotrichum subspicatum. This BC native wildflower is found in nearly every part of the province, from Haida Gwaii to the Southern Interior, and south well into Washington and Oregon. Douglas Aster is a perennial that is hardy in Zones 5 to 9, and can reach as tall as 1m (3'). Its slightly hairy grey foliage and stems are hardly noticeable for most of the summer, but then it goes into bloom around mid August, continuing into September. This late season bloom time provides essential nectar to insects at a time when many other flowering plants are shutting down for the winter. This deer resistant plant spreads very gradually by underground rhizomes, and its seeds are slow to germinate, so it will not get out of hand. Pinch the stems to encourage branching, and deadhead spent flowers for a longer bloom period.

Perennial.

Quick Facts:

    • Perennial
    • Hardy in Zones 5-9
    • BC native wildflower
    • Blooms August-September

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Douglas Aster

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All About Douglas Aster

Difficulty

Difficulty
Easy

Season & Zone

Season & Zone
Exposure: Full sun to partial shade, depending on the blend

Timing

Timing
Try to direct sow wildflower seeds during the period two weeks before, and eight weeks after, your last average frost date. Sowing when there is some risk of minor frost may improve germination. Wildflower seeds can also be sown in the autumn, but a certain percentage of seeds to may be lost to water, birds, and animals. To make the most of the annual species, direct sow in early spring.

Starting

Starting
Site Selection: If there are already no plants (including weeds) growing in the planting site, there may be a problem with the soil. Possible issues may be soil fertility, lack of drainage, or the need for soil amendments to improve texture. In such spots (eg, beneath a cedar tree), few plants will thrive, including wildflowers.

Site Preparation:

Site Preparation: Remove as much existing vegetation as possible through pulling or tilling under in order to minimize competition. Loosen the soil by scraping, raking, or tilling. Wildflower blends will not usually take if planted into existing lawn because the thatch prevents their contact with soil.

Seed Application:

Seed Application: In small areas, seeds can be scattered by hand. In larger areas, you may want to employ a lawn spreader or some other mechanical means. We recommend adding 1-2 parts clean, dry sand to 1 part wildflower seeds which will help the seeds spread evenly. Do not use beach sand, as it usually contains salt. It may be wise to spread most of the seed, but to save some for filling in bald spots at a later date. Seeds must come into contact with the soil in order to germinate. Do not bury seeds more than 2-3 times their thickness.

Planting rates:

Planting rates: Aim for a planting density of 70 seeds per square foot. 90g of seeds will cover 1,000 ft². Use 4kg per acre. 500g covers about 5,500 ft². If seeding an area where site preparation and weeding are not possible, double this rate.

Growing

Growing
Keep the seeded area as evenly moist as possible to help the seeds germinate and the young seedlings become established. Weeds need to be kept under control. Once they are growing, most mixes will not require additional water except in long periods of hot, dry weather. All of our mixes should re-grow for several years, but will eventually benefit from re-seeding. In late summer, many of the components will produce seed heads that can be harvested and replanted the following spring.

How to Grow Aster

Step 1

Timing

Sow indoors 5-6 weeks before transplanting after the last frost date. Or simply direct sow in spring. Seeds can be slow to germinate, so be patient.

Step 2

Starting

Barely cover the seeds, and keep soil moist until plants are established.

Step 3

Growing

Grow in full sun to light shade, in fertile, moist soil. The plants spread very slowly by underground rhizomes. Clumps can be split up and replanted every 2-3 years. Although the plants are drought tolerant, they thrive in full sun in moist conditions.

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