Aster novae-angliae Rosa Sieger

Aster novae-angliae Rosa Sieger is a New England aster that stands out for the abundance of its flowers and the delicacy of their pink colour. From late summer to the first cold weather, this large perennial plant is covered with clusters of small daisies in a range of pinks, bringing a charming touch to the late season. New England asters are quite resistant to powdery mildew and they thrive in humid climates and heavy, clayey, and fertile soils.

The Asteraceae family, to which asters belong, is mainly characterised by the shape of its flowers, called capitules. Aster novae-angliae are perennial plants that are very hardy (down to -30°C (1°F)), native to the eastern and central regions of North America. This Rosa Sieger variety is of medium size, with flowering stems often reaching up to 1.20m (4ft) in height. Since it blooms abundantly, this perennial often requires staking. The stems branch out in late summer, with each branch producing clusters composed of dozens of flowers that will succeed each other for more than two months between late September and late November. The flower heads resemble small daisies. The ligules or outer petals change from fresh pink to pale pink over the course of the day, surrounding a small yellow centre that turns brown-pink. Flowering will be more generous if the plant does not lack water in summer: the New England aster likes sunny locations but prefers to have its base protected by thick mulch. The woody-based stems bear narrow and hairy leaves, dark green in colour. The above-ground vegetation, deciduous, dries up and dies in winter, to reemerge in spring.

The Aster 'Rosa Sieger' is perfect in borders to extend the flowering season into autumn, but you can also plant it in large pots to brighten up the surroundings of your house. In the ground, create a rustic feel by surrounding asters with tall perennials (Cimicifuga, Gauras, Rudbeckia, perennial sunflowers, inulas) and small bushes (Landscape roses, Perovskia, Caryopteris, dwarf Hydrangeas), plus evergreens like Cotoneaster, Lonicera nitida, or creeping junipers whose foliage will keep the asters company until the end of their flowering period.