Bed of Asters

Plant in well-drained soil, covering the top of the root ball with 3 cm (1in) of earth. Undemanding, they can adapt to any type of soil. However, waterlogged ground in winter can be fatal to them. Asters are more or less susceptible to mildew. We recommend treating them preventively against mildew with a spray of Bordeaux mixture every 15 days from spring to autumn. In March, stake species that exceed 80 cm (32in) in height or prune their stems by one-third to maintain vigour and flower quality. Mulch all asters every year in November after pruning them. You can divide them in late autumn or early spring if they become too large.