The aster genus contains over 170 types of flowers, and while many of them share very similar physical characteristics such as the very recognizable star-shaped petals and some variation of the bold purple color palette, there are some that are a lot more unique and feature many different colors and patterns that many people aren’t used to seeing, or that they didn’t even know existed.
Part of the reason aster flowers have been experiencing such a dramatic rise in popularity over the last few decades is not only because of their symbolic meanings, with the flower being closely related to faith, wisdom, and love, but also because of how versatile they are.
While some people use the petals of aster flowers as a nutritional extra-ingredient to add to a salad, others plant them in their garden to prepare for the oncoming spring and summer months, and considering there are so many different types of aster flowers to choose from, it never hurts to do a little research beforehand to decide which you like the look of the most if you plan to re-decorate.
Here are 7 of the most beautiful types of aster flowers that you need to know about today.
1. Honeysong Pink
As soon as you see a bush of honeysong pink aster flowers for yourself, it’s not hard to understand why these flowers are so popular among pollinators, especially due to their bright pink petals and golden center which are big enough to give insects plenty of space to land and extract nectar.
The honeysong pink is also one of the few aster varieties that will actually adapt extremely well to wetter soil conditions, which has made them a very common sight in many gardens where drainage might be a little more tricky and complicated.
While it is always advised to keep them partially in the shade during growth, make sure to still allow at least a little bit of sunlight to bask over these extravagant aster flowers so that they can display their beauty in full force on those warmer days during the summer and spring.
As a quick side note, the honeysong pink aster flowers are unfortunately not very resistant to mildew, so it can be worth giving them enough space to avoid it affecting the plant.
2. Royal Ruby
The mixture of pink and red in these flowers blends together so effortlessly that it makes royal rubies one of the most dazzling and eye-catching types of aster flowers you will ever see, and their deep and rich appearance isn’t only appealing to the human eye as it also attracts plenty of butterflies which can often be seen flocking to these flowers during the later summer and early Fall months.
While the shade of their red-ish appearance can differ depending on the conditions around them and the soil they have been planted in, the official color that has been used to characterize royal ruby flowers over the years is mulberry which is actually most well-known for being a crayon color.
This provides the perfect contrast to their dark green and slender stems which also feature very glossy leaves that tend to be slightly lighter, and if you manage to spot these flowers during the late summer, whether it’s out in the wild or in your own back garden, it’s a sight you’re sure to never forget.
3. White Swan
While many people will mistake the white swan for being a small daisy, it is actually an aster flower which just so happens to have a much different appearance from many of its counterparts, with its petals being a bright white that is complemented elegantly by the much warmer yellow found at the center.
Unlike a lot of other flowers that feature bold white petals, the white swan’s colors actually hold up incredibly well throughout the season, so long as they are exposed to a good amount of sunlight to keep them crisp and fresh.
If you’re planning to grow these beautiful summery aster flowers, make sure to use a moist well-drained compost where they can be fully exposed to the sunlight.
It’s ideal to grow these plants in bold drifts, or you can simply spread the seeds around some low-growing grass since they aren’t very tall, so you’ll still want to be able to see them.
4. King George
The ‘King George’ is a member of the Italian aster family, and while its violet appearance is often the first thing many people notice when they see a cluster of them growing in their bushy habitats, the actual appearance of their petals also makes them very unique, being very long, loose, and light.
In contrast, their stems are incredibly sturdy and prepared to keep the flower standing strong even in the face of harsh weather, so they won’t need any extra support when you grow them.
However, they do grow very fast and can reach up to 24 inches, making them one of the larger aster flowers and a perfect addition to a garden that features a good amount of shrubbery or taller grass.
While they do require sunlight to develop and mature, they only need to be exposed to a moderate amount of it, so it can be worth providing these aster flowers with a decent amount of shade, especially since this will preserve their bright and bold lavender color which is such a beautiful sight, especially when the temperatures begin to rise outside.
5. Monch Aster Flowers
Being very resistant to heat and having an extra long flowering time, monch aster flowers can be found sprouting across warmer states and hotter regions across the world, but with that being said, they are actually very easy to grow and care for.
Just always make sure that you stake them with bamboo canes or brushwood, water them regularly during dry spells, and deadhead them frequently so that their flowering period lasts for as long as possible.
Additionally, they are also resistant to mildew, so even when they’re planted and starting to blossom, you won’t have to take too much time out of your day to ensure that they develop as they should, simply check on them from time to time, supply them with water, and these miniature aster flowers will grow to be bright and beautiful in no time.
6. Coombe Fishacre
Coombe fishacre flowers are instantly recognizable because of their pale lilac rays that extend out from their deep brown centers.
They also feature very neat, lance-shaped dark green leaves, however, because of how small the flower actually is, the leaves can be incredibly hard to see.
They typically grow in very bushy habitats in very large clumps, so if you are looking to grow an aster flower which you can get a better view of individually when you’re up close and personal, the coombe fishacre might not be the choice for you, as they are much better when you want to cover a bigger area with hundreds of them at a time.
Their bloom time lasts from the late summer to the fall, and they are actually one of the only aster varieties that will grow in clay soil which a lot of gardeners find much easier to use since it firmly anchors the roots into the soil, protecting them from harsh weather or from accidentally being knocked over and out from the ground.
7. Ada Ballard
It’s hard not to spot a cluster of ada ballard aster flowers from a distance since they are known for being some of the bigger variants of these flowers, featuring double-flower heads that can span 3 inches wide and possess a very light purple aesthetic with a bright yellow center that makes this one of the most exotic looking aster flowers out there.
The bright colors also make the ada ballard a favorite among butterflies which also means they are a perfect addition to a garden if you’re hoping to attract some beautiful creatures to your lovely home during the warmer seasons.
They tend to grow the quickest near the end of the summer where they can still get a good amount of sunlight without becoming overwhelmed by the immense heat, and when choosing soil, make sure to pick well-drained.
Summary
With there being so many kinds of aster flowers out there, all with their own unique take on the classic star shape and bright purple color palette that many of us are used to, it can admittedly be a bit hard choosing which one to go and see, or to grow if you’re planning to add some decorations to the garden.
To make things easier, take a look at a few of these beautiful aster flower variations, and choose one that you like the look of the most, whether it’s smaller and a little more neutral in its color, or a much bigger version that also happens to be a lot more bright and bold.
I love sharing my experiences with individuals in this community, and I enjoy sharing some of the best tips I have learned over the years caring for my own garden at home.
In my articles, you will find the best flowers, most fragrant flowers you can plant in your garden, how to care for your favorite plants, informative guides and how-tos so you can have the best backyard in town!
- Interesting Flowers That Start With A - July 21, 2023
- Interesting Flowers Beginning With H - July 21, 2023
- 14 Fascinating Flowers That Begin With C - July 20, 2023