A soft pink for the summer border
Among aster colours, pink is a top seller and stretches over a wide band, starting at shell pink and ending at magenta. The blooms may be quilled, pompon-shaped or flat and daisy-like, depending on the variety. Pink China asters suit cottage borders and cutting beds, and they blend with zinnias, cosmos and dahlias in a mixed bunch.
Growing them across Australian climates
Most gardeners start asters from seed in late winter or spring and enjoy flowers in the second half of summer.
- Temperate south (Melbourne, Adelaide, Hobart): sow in September and expect flowers from January.
- Subtropical east coast (Sydney, Brisbane): sow earlier, and water well through hot spells.
- Perth: avoid the driest weeks, and mulch to hold moisture.
- Tropical north: grow in the cooler, drier months.
Plants like full sun and soil that drains well. Over-rich soil makes leaves at the expense of flowers. Because disease lingers in the soil, grow asters in a fresh spot each year.
Making cut pink asters last
Cut in the cool of the morning when buds are about half open. Strip leaves under the waterline and use clean water. Pink asters usually last a week to ten days, longer in a cool room away from direct sun.
Relaxed around animals
The ASPCA rates aster as non-toxic for dogs, cats and horses, so a vase on the sideboard is one less thing to worry about.
