Georgia Aster

Aster georgiana

$16.00

| Hardiness Zones 6-9

The Georgia aster (Symphyotrichum georgianum), once classified under the genus Aster, is a rare perennial native to the southeastern United States, particularly in Georgia, Alabama, North Carolina, and South Carolina. Its vivid violet-blue flowers bloom in the fall, offering a striking display in both natural and cultivated landscapes. Historically, Georgia aster thrived in open, fire-maintained oak-hickory and pine woodlands, but fire suppression has led to habitat loss and a decline in populations, making it a species of conservation concern today. This relict plant, a holdover from once-widespread prairie and savanna ecosystems, now depends on careful management to prevent encroachment from woody plants and to maintain the sunny, open spaces it requires to flourish​

Georgia aster spreads via underground rhizomes, forming colonies that enhance its appeal as a native garden perennial while contributing to ecosystem biodiversity by providing nectar for pollinators like bees and butterflies. Conservation efforts, including prescribed burns and habitat agreements, are vital in sustaining its populations across remaining habitats in the Piedmont and surrounding regions​

Photos courtesy of Clemson.

Pickup available at Aiken Nursery

Usually ready in 2-4 days

PLANT DETAILS

Hardiness Zones: 6 - 9

Soil: Well-drained and Acid

Sun: Full Sun

Seasonal Behavior:

Growth Rate: Moderate

Height at Maturity: 24 - 36 Inches

Spread at Maturity: 18 - 24 Inches

Flowers: The Georgia aster (Symphyotrichum georgianum) showcases striking, vibrant violet-blue flowers that bloom in mid-to-late fall. Each flower head, about 1.5 to 2 inches across, features numerous slender ray florets surrounding a central cluster of yellow disk florets. The blooms provide a striking contrast against the deep green foliage, making it a showy addition to gardens​

Foliage: The plant’s foliage consists of coarse, clasping leaves that are typically lance-shaped with rough, hairy surfaces. These thick, green leaves add texture to the plant, helping it stand out even when not in bloom. During the flowering period, the plant’s foliage provides a sturdy, bushy backdrop to the vivid flower heads, making it a focal point in autumn landscapes​

Light: Plant Georgia aster in full sun to ensure it flowers well. It tolerates partial shade but will bloom best with ample sunlight​

Soil: This plant prefers well-drained, moderately acidic to slightly alkaline soils. Georgia aster can tolerate sandy or clay soils, as long as drainage is adequate​

Water: Keep the soil consistently moist during the first growing season to help it establish. Once established, it becomes relatively drought-tolerant but benefits from occasional deep watering during dry spells​

Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch around the plant, but keep it away from the stems to prevent rot. Mulch helps retain moisture and suppress weeds, particularly in sunny, open areas​

Pruning: Trim back stems by about half in midsummer to encourage a denser shape and more blooms. This practice also helps control the plant’s tendency to become lanky​

Propagation: Georgia aster spreads through rhizomes. You can divide the plant every few years to control its spread and increase the number of plants. Seeds are also an option, although wild plants often face challenges in cross-pollination​

Conservation Considerations: This plant is sensitive to competition from encroaching shrubs and trees, so maintaining open, sunny conditions is essential. Avoid using herbicides nearby, as they can damage this vulnerable native species​

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