Aster novi-belgii - Michaelmas Daisy
| Family: | Compositae |
| Habit: | Perennial |
| Height: | 1.2 |
| Width: | 1 |
| Synonyms: | |
| Range: | Eastern N. America. Naturalized in Britain[17]. |
Michaelmas Daisy will flower in March to April. The flowers from this plant are hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and they are pollinated by Bees, flies, beetles, lepidoptera, self
Soil Information
Michaelmas Daisy will grow in light (sandy),medium (loamy),hard (clay) soil. It is / is important for the soil to be well drained.The soil prefers the following PH / acid levels :
- pH of less than 6, Acidic soils
- pH between 6 and 8, Neutral soils
- pH greater than 8, Basic soils
Michaelmas Daisy prefers moist soils
Ideal Planting Locations
Michaelmas Daisy can grow in semi or areas with no shade.Damp thickets, meadows and shores, usually within 100 miles of the sea[43, 187].
Planting places suited to this plant described below.
- Grows within a woodland garden
- Works within dappled Shade
- Can be planted in Cultivated Beds
- Suits a meadow
Cultivation Details
Succeeds in most good garden soils[1], preferring one that is well-drained and moisture retentive[200]. Prefers a sunny position[200], but it also succeeds in partial shade[233]. Prefers a rich soil[1], but tolerates poor ones[233]. Plants are hardy to about -25°c[187]. A polymorphic species, there are many named varieties selected for their ornamental value[1]. Hybridizes freely with other members of this genus[200]. Plants need to be divided every few years, preferably in the spring, in order to keep the plant vigorous[187]. Most species in this genus seem to be immune to the predations of rabbits[233]. Attracts butterflies and moths, it is also a good bee plant providing nectar in autumn[30].Edible Uses*
* See disclaimerEdible Rating: 0/5
None known
Medicinal Uses*
* See disclaimerMedicinal Rating: 0/5
None known
Propagation
Seed - surface sow in spring in a cold frame. Do not allow the compost to become dry. Pre-chilling the seed for two weeks can improve germination rates[134]. Germination usually takes place within 2 weeks at 20°c[134]. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer. Division in spring or autumn[200]. Very easy, larger divisions can be planted straight into their permanent positions whist smaller clumps are best potted up and kept in a cold frame until they are growing away well. Basal cuttings in late spring. Harvest the shoots when they are about 10 - 15cm long with plenty of underground stem. Pot them up into individual pots and keep them in light shade in a cold frame or greenhouse until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the summer.Known Hazards
None knownOther Uses
None knownCultivars
'' - There are some named forms for this species, but these have been developed for their ornamental value and not for their other uses. Unless you particularly require the special characteristics of any of these cultivars, we would generally recommend that you grow the natural species for its useful properties. We have, therefore, not listed the cultivars in this database[K].References
Gray's Manual of Botany.Fernald. M. L.
Author: Fernald. M. L.
Rating:
Publisher : A bit dated but good and concise flora of the eastern part of N. America.
Date of Publication : 1950
The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992.
Huxley. A.
Author: Huxley. A.
Rating:
Publisher : Excellent and very comprehensive, though it contains a number of silly mistakes. Readable yet also very detailed.
Date of Publication : 1992
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