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Description
Aster Frikartii Monch, also known as Frikart’s Aster, is a perennial plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. It is a hybrid plant that was developed in Switzerland by a horticulturist named Frikart. The plant produces beautiful violet-purple flowers that bloom from mid-summer to mid-fall. The flowers grow in clusters and have a yellow center. The plant can grow up to 2 feet tall and 1.5 feet wide.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Aster |
Appearance
Aster Frikartii Monch has a bushy and compact growth habit. The plant has dark green leaves that are lance-shaped and hairy. The leaves are about 2-3 inches long and 0.5-1 inch wide. The plant produces flowers that are 2-3 inches in diameter. The flowers have a pale violet color and a yellow center. The flowers bloom from mid-summer to mid-fall and attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
Care Guide
Aster Frikartii Monch is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to care for. Here are some care tips:- Water: The plant needs regular watering, especially during hot and dry weather. Water the plant deeply once a week, making sure the soil is moist but not waterlogged.- Fertilization: The plant needs regular fertilization to promote healthy growth and blooming. Use a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season.- Soil: The plant prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil pH should be neutral to slightly acidic.- Sunlight: The plant needs full sun to partial shade to grow and bloom properly.- Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 5-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Aster Frikartii Monch is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can be susceptible to the following:- Powdery mildew: This is a fungal disease that affects the leaves, causing them to develop a powdery white coating. To prevent this disease, avoid overhead watering and provide good air circulation.- Rust: This is a fungal disease that causes orange-brown spots on the leaves. To prevent this disease, avoid overhead watering and remove infected leaves.- Aphids: These are small insects that suck the sap from the plant, causing stunted growth and curling leaves. To control aphids, spray the plant with a strong stream of water or use insecticidal soap.
Habitat
Aster Frikartii Monch is native to Europe and Asia. It grows in a variety of habitats, including meadows, fields, and open woodlands. The plant prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Aster Frikartii Monch a good plant for a beginner gardener?
A: Yes, Aster Frikartii Monch is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to care for.
Q: How often should I fertilize Aster Frikartii Monch?
A: You should fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season.
Q: Can Aster Frikartii Monch grow in a container?
A: Yes, Aster Frikartii Monch can grow in a container as long as it has enough room to spread its roots.
Q: How do I propagate Aster Frikartii Monch?
A: You can propagate the plant by division in the spring or fall.
Related Plants
– Aster novi-belgii (New York Aster)- Aster laevis (Smooth Aster)- Aster ericoides (Heath Aster)- Aster tataricus (Tatarian Aster)
References
– Missouri Botanical Garden. (n.d.). Aster Frikartii ‘Monch’. Retrieved from https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=n930.- Royal Horticultural Society. (n.d.). Aster Frikartii ‘Monch’. Retrieved from https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/4727/i-Aster-frikartii-i-Monch/Details.
