Contents
1. Description
Aster Farreri, commonly known as Chinese aster, is a perennial plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. This plant is native to China and is often grown in gardens as an ornamental plant. It produces beautiful bi-colored flowers that bloom in late summer and early fall. The plant can grow up to 120 cm in height, and its leaves are oblong, pointed, and toothed. The flowers are daisy-like with yellow centers and come in shades of pink, purple, and white. The plant is easy to grow and can be propagated by seeds or division.
2. Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Aster |
3. Appearance
Aster Farreri has a bright and showy appearance that makes it a popular choice among gardeners. The plant grows up to 120 cm in height and has oblong, pointed, and toothed leaves. The flowers are daisy-like and come in shades of pink, purple, and white. The center of the flower is yellow, and the petals have a bi-colored appearance. The lower part of the petal is white, while the upper part is a darker shade of pink or purple. The flowers bloom in late summer and early fall, and they attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
4. Care Guide
Growing Aster Farreri is relatively easy, and it requires basic care. Here are some tips for growing this plant:Water: Water the plant regularly, especially during dry spells. Make sure the soil is moist but not waterlogged.Fertilization: Fertilize the plant in the spring and summer with a balanced fertilizer. Follow the instructions on the package to avoid over-fertilization.Soil: Aster Farreri prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. Add compost or manure to the soil before planting to improve its quality.Sunlight: The plant needs full sun or partial shade to grow well. Make sure it gets at least six hours of sunlight per day.Hardiness Zones: Aster Farreri is hardy to USDA zones 5-8. It can tolerate cold temperatures and frost.
5. Common Pests & Diseases
Aster Farreri is relatively resistant to pests and diseases, but it can be attacked by some common garden pests. Here are some of the pests and diseases that can affect this plant:Aphids: These small insects can suck the sap from the plant and cause stunted growth. Use a strong jet of water to wash them off the plant or use an insecticidal soap to control them.Spider mites: These tiny arachnids can suck the sap from the plant and cause yellowing and wilting of the leaves. Use a miticide to control them.Downy mildew: This fungal disease can cause yellowing and wilting of the leaves. Remove infected leaves and spray the plant with a fungicide.
6. Habitat
Aster Farreri is native to China and is often grown in gardens as an ornamental plant. It prefers well-drained soil and can tolerate cold temperatures and frost. The plant needs full sun or partial shade to grow well and can be grown in USDA zones 5-8.
7. Question and Answer
Q. How often should I water Aster Farreri?A. Water the plant regularly, especially during dry spells. Make sure the soil is moist but not waterlogged.Q. What is the best time to fertilize Aster Farreri?A. Fertilize the plant in the spring and summer with a balanced fertilizer. Follow the instructions on the package to avoid over-fertilization.Q. What pests can attack Aster Farreri?A. Aphids and spider mites can attack this plant.Q. What is the hardiness zone for Aster Farreri?A. Aster Farreri is hardy to USDA zones 5-8.
9. Related Plants
Here are some plants that are related to Aster Farreri:- Aster novae-angliae (New England aster)- Aster tataricus (Tatarian aster)- Aster x frikartii (Frikart’s aster)- Aster laevis (Smooth aster)- Aster ericoides (Heath aster)
10. References
– “Aster Farreri.” Missouri Botanical Garden. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=287614&isprofile=1&basic=aster%20farreri.- “Aster Farreri.” Royal Horticultural Society. https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/9697/aster-farreri/details.
