As the summer heat wanes and the crisp air of autumn begins to set in, a spectacular bloom graces our gardens—the calico aster. Known scientifically as Symphyotrichum lateriflorum, this charming native plant is not only a beautiful addition to any garden but also provides excellent habitat to a host of pollinators and songbirds from late summer into early fall at a time when many other plants have stopped blooming.
Why Choose Calico Aster for Your Garden?
1. Seasonal Beauty
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Fall Blooms: Calico asters burst into bloom in the late summer just as many other garden flowers begin to fade and last until early fall when other plants have finished their flowering season.
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Color and Texture: Their delicate, star-like flowers, which range from white to shades of purple, create a stunning display that provides contrast against larger blooming perennials and foliage.
2. Symbolism and Significance
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Cultural Importance: There are many aster species across the globe, many of which are cultivated. Named for their star-like appearance, asters hold deep cultural significance in Greek and Roman mythology, where they were considered sacred and believed to ward off evil. They have long symbolized love, wisdom, faith, and purity, with different colors representing additional meanings like royalty, innocence, devotion, and kindness. Among many North American Indigenous peoples, aster has traditionally been used for both medicinal and ceremonial purposes.
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Wisdom and Valor: As September’s birth flower, asters embody wisdom and valor. Making them a thoughtful gift for birthdays or a symbolic addition to your garden, representing strength and knowledge.
3. Ecological Benefits
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Pollinator Support: Calico asters are a favorite among bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Their late-season blooms provide a crucial nectar and pollen source when many other flowers have ceased blooming. Asters are the caterpillar host plant for several species of butterflies and moths.
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Support for Birds: Beyond providing a food source for pollinators, these asters offer seeds for birds.
4. Low Maintenance and Resilient
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Drought Tolerant: Once established, calico asters are quite drought-tolerant, making them an excellent choice for gardens in areas prone to dry spells.
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Adaptable: These versatile plants thrive in a range of soil types and light conditions, from full sun to partial shade.
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Low Maintenance: Requiring minimal care, calico asters are perfect for gardeners of all experience levels. They are hardy perennials that return year after year with little effort.
5. Design Versatility
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Garden Aesthetics: With their fine-textured foliage and profusion of small flowers, calico asters add a delicate, airy quality to garden borders, wildflower meadows, and naturalized plantings. They are particularly well-suited to native plant gardens and naturalized areas.
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Companion Planting: Pair them with other fall-blooming natives such as goldenrods for a vibrant, harmonious display that supports local wildlife.
6. Native to a Wide Range
Calico aster has a wide native range, growing naturally from Ontario to Nova Scotia south through New England to Georgia; west to Tennessee and Arkansas; north to Minnesota.
Calico Aster
Symphyotrichum lateriflorum (Aster lateriflorus)
The numerous flowers of Calico Aster (Symphyotrichum lateriflorum (Aster lateriflorus)) will attract butterflies and other pollinators to your garden.
Attracts:
The Importance of Keystone Plants: Spotlight on Calico Aster
In the world of gardening and ecology, keystone plants play a critical role in maintaining the structure and health of an ecosystem. These plants have a disproportionately large impact on their environment relative to their abundance.
Keystone plants are species that provide essential support for a wide range of wildlife. They offer food, cover, and breeding habitat for numerous creatures, thus maintaining the ecological balance.
As a keystone plant, calico asters are particularly valuable, serving as a caterpillar host plant for at least 11 species of butterflies and moths as well as providing pollen for at least 16 pollen specialist bee species. They provide nectar to a wide range of other pollinating insects from flower flies to wasps.
Benefits of Keystone Plants
Keystone plants like the calico aster create habitats that support a rich variety of wildlife, including pollinators, birds, and beneficial insects. They help stabilize ecosystems by fostering a network of interactions among different species. This interconnectedness makes ecosystems more resilient to changes and disturbances.
Growing Tips for Calico Aster
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Planting Location: Choose a spot that receives full sun to partial shade. While calico asters can adapt to various soil types, they prefer well-drained soil.
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Watering: Water young plants regularly until established. Mature plants are more drought-tolerant but will benefit from occasional watering during extended dry periods.
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Mulching: Apply a layer of organic mulch (leaf litter is a great choice) to help retain moisture and suppress weeds. This also enriches the soil as the mulch decomposes. Once the plants are established, "green mulch" from your garden will serve this purpose.
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Pruning: There's no need to deadhead the flowers, as allowing them to go to seed provides a valuable food source for birds. Leaving the stems standing in the fall offers overwintering sites for beneficial insects. If desired, cut back the stems in late spring after pollinators have emerged.
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Pest and Disease Management: Calico asters are generally resistant to most pests and diseases. However, providing good air circulation and avoiding overhead watering can help prevent potential issues like powdery mildew.
Embracing Calico Aster in Your Garden
Adding calico aster to your garden is not just about enhancing its beauty—it's about creating a space that resonates with wisdom and valor, supports local wildlife, and thrives with minimal maintenance. As September’s birth flower, asters carry a special significance that can bring deeper meaning to your garden space. Embrace the elegance and ecological benefits of calico aster and let it shine as a star in your fall garden.
As a keystone plant, planting calico aster helps maximize your garden's ecological impact, supporting a wide range of wildlife and contributing to a healthier, more resilient ecosystem. This fall, consider planting calico aster to create a vibrant, wildlife-friendly garden that honors the changing seasons and the wisdom and valor it symbolizes.
To get started gardening with native plants, visit the Garden for Wildlife online store and search by zip code to find your perfect plants.