How red is a red aster?
Most wild asters are blue, purple, lilac or white. Red is a breeding result rather than a natural default. The Symphyotrichum novae-angliae cultivar 'Andenken an Alma Pötschke' is a well-known example, a glowing cerise-red shade often described as the closest hardy aster comes to true red. The annual China aster has deeper crimson and scarlet forms that florists value.
What a red aster says
The red aster flower is not as firmly fixed in tradition as the red rose. In the language of flowers the aster as a whole stands for love, patience and daintiness, and red adds a note of passion or devotion.
Choosing red asters for your garden
- Look for named cultivars rather than seed mixes if you need a reliable shade.
- Give plants full sun for the strongest colour.
- Cut back the stems by about half in early summer to keep plants compact.
- Stake taller varieties in windy sites.
Season in Australia
Perennial asters flower in autumn, from March to May. China asters are sown in spring and flower through summer. Both prefer cooler climates, though gardeners in subtropical regions can still manage China asters with plenty of mulch and water.
In a vase, red China asters show up well against green foliage and suit white daisies or cream roses. Cut them when the flowers are half open, and expect a week to ten days in clean, cool water.
Red tones that fade
Deep reds may fade towards pink in the strongest sun. Late afternoon shade keeps them richer.
