Alpine aster flowers with lilac petals and yellow centres growing among grass in a meadow
Flowers

Alpine Aster

Aster alpinus

Difficulty: ModerateGrows in potsPerennial

Alpine aster is a clump-forming perennial with violet daisy-like flowers, about 4 to 20 inches (10 to 50 cm) tall, that grows in full sun and well-drained soil and is hardy.

Quick facts

Units
Germination time
Not yet verified
Germination temperature
Not yet verified
Sowing depth
Not yet verified
Spacing between plants
Not yet verified
Days to maturity
Not yet verified
Sun
Full sun

Safety for cats and dogs: not yet verified.

By SeedBattle EditorsUpdated

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01 · Overview

About alpine aster

Alpine aster is a herbaceous perennial with violet, daisy-like flowerheads about 2 inches (5 cm) across, with a dark yellow centre, borne on upright stems in early and midsummer. It forms a spreading clump about 4 to 20 inches (10 to 50 cm) tall and wide. Its natural range is the Alps and Pyrenees. Plants take 2 to 5 years to reach maturity.

Growing details

Start indoors
Not yet verified
Sow outdoors
Not yet verified
Water
Not yet verified
Containers
Yes
Height
10–50 cm4–20 in
Spread
10–50 cm4–20 in
Frost tolerance
Hardy
Soil pH
Not yet verified
Life cycle
Perennial
Hardiness zones
Not yet verified

02 · How to grow

How to grow alpine aster from seed

Propagate by seed or by division in spring. Root softwood basal cuttings in spring are another option. Grow it in moderately fertile, well-drained soil in an open, sunny position. Full sun is the light level listed for it. The listed soil types are chalk, loam and sand, and it is listed for acid, alkaline or neutral soil. It suits rock gardens, cottage gardens, flower borders, city courtyards and containers.

03 · Care

Caring for alpine aster

Deadhead spent flowers to keep the plant tidy. Cut the stems back close to the ground in late autumn.

At a glance

How alpine aster compares with other flowers

Worked out from the growing facts of the 79 seeds in Flowers on SeedBattle.

  • Alpine Aster
  • Each of the other flowers
  • Their average
See all flowers
  • HeightShorter than average

    10–50 cm4–20 in

    Average for flowers: 71 cm2½ ft, from 68 other seeds

04 · Problems

Common alpine aster problems

Pests. Plants may be attacked by leaf and bud eelworms, slugs and snails.

Diseases. Asters may be affected by Verticillium wilt, powdery mildews and grey moulds.

Alpine Aster questions

How tall does alpine aster grow?

Alpine aster grows about 4 to 20 inches (10 to 50 cm) tall and spreads about the same width.

Does alpine aster need full sun?

It is listed for full sun and an open, sunny position.

Can I grow alpine aster in a container?

The profile lists it among patio and container plants.

How long does alpine aster take to mature?

It takes 2 to 5 years to reach maturity.

Quick answers

More alpine aster questions

Short answers taken from the growing facts on this page.

  • Can alpine aster survive frost?

    Yes. Alpine aster is hardy.

  • Is alpine aster an annual or a perennial?

    Alpine aster is a perennial.

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