Small flowers of the alpine asters resemble modest daisies. Gardeners love the alpine astra for its unpretentiousness and prolonged profuse flowering. Unlike the other species of asters, it blooms in June, and is covered with flowers until late autumn. In addition, the plant is very decorative and looks great in various landscape formations: on rocky slides, in mixborders , in the form of single and group plantings. Especially spectacular are bright flowers against the background of dense coniferous trees and evergreen shrubs.
Low-grown varieties of perennial alpine asters have a height of 25 to 30 centimeters, and tall varieties of it up to half a meter. The stems of the flower are covered with a short hard edge, the leaves are greyish-green, the root system is highly developed. The diameter of the flower of the alpine aster is 4 to 6 centimeters, the color of the petals is blue, lilac, pink, crimson and white.
Alpine aster - planting and care
Selection of a site for breeding alpine asters
Although the flowering plant is not whimsical, it is very demanding of sunlight and soil. Therefore, to grow a crop, you should choose a well-lit, unprotected plot of land. Preferably the drained alkaline soil. The depth of excavation of the soil under the aster is at least 20 centimeters. In one place this kind of flowers without transplantation grows 5 - 6 years.
Cultivation of alpine asters
The plant multiplies by seeds or vegetatively. When growing an alpine aster of seeds, fresh seed is sown in the open ground in spring or autumn. At the same time, the seeding depth is half a centimeter. Between the seedlings an interval of 20 to 35 centimeters is maintained to develop a lush floral bush. The first flowering occurs next summer. In natural areas with a harsher climate, growing sprouts is practiced with the subsequent planting of sprouts in the open ground in the event of warm weather. If the seeds are purchased through the Internet or in a specialized store, we recommend choosing the "Alpine mixture". Growing a perennial astra from the "Alpine mixture" allows you to get colorful plantings, pleasing the eye with a cheerful multicolor.
In vegetative propagation in autumn (after flowering) or in spring, bushes are divided by a sharp shovel. Also, root siblings, whose length is not less than 15 centimeters, are used. Agrotechnics are recommended to divide plants every 3 years. If the procedure is not carried out, then the thickening of the bush occurs and the flowering becomes less abundant.
Watering and fertilization of alpine asters
In the spring, it is advisable to apply phosphorus-potassium fertilizers to fertilize the plant. Especially in need of fertilizing flower bushes, subjected to transplant and pruning. Culture requires abundant, but not excessive watering. Experienced gardeners necessarily take into account the moistening of the soil when organizing irrigation. In the arid area, the plant blooms very poorly, and its flowers are small.
Wintering alpine asters
Under winter, alpine asters do not die. When preparing for hibernation bushes
Diseases and pests of alpine asters
The flowering plant is very resistant to diseases, and to pests. But with a lack of sunlight, the alpine aster is often affected by powdery mildew . The problem can easily be eliminated by replanting the bushes in a more suitable place and treated with a fungicide.
Alpine aster not only decorate the land. Tall grades are suitable for cutting and making wonderful flower compositions.