Helping You Become a More Successful Gardener
Plant Search
James H. Schutte
Asteraceae
ASTER novi-belgii 'Alert'
Alert New York Aster, New York Aster
Rich, colorful, purple-red daisies bedeck this sweet, compact perennial from late summer into fall. ‘Alert’ is a cultivar of New York aster, a bushy, clump-forming perennial originating from eastern North America. Its vivid, yellow-centered blossoms are complemented by bright green, lance-shaped foliage, and are highly attractive to bees, butterflies and other small, pollinating insects. The seeds that follow provide a source of food for seed-eating birds such as goldfinches.
Although quite adaptable, this perennial performs best in full sun and moderately fertile, well-drained, evenly moist soil. Pinching back growing tips in late spring to very early summer helps to encourage more compact growth and heavier flowering. Divide clumps every few years in spring, if necessary.
New York aster is outstanding for adding splashes of late-season color to mixed borders and wildflower gardens, and its blooms make excellent, long-lasting cut flowers. The shorter stature of ‘Alert’ also makes it suitable for fall-themed container compositions. For a vibrant autumn display, combine it with orange and gold pansies and the dark maroon leaves of ‘Redbor’ kale.
8 - 1
3 - 8
1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Full Sun, Partial Sun
12"-15" / 30.5cm - 38.1cm
12"-18" / 30.5cm - 45.7cm
Late Summer, Early Fall, Fall
Northeastern United States, Mid-Atlantic United States, Southeastern United States, Canada
Average
Fast
Average Water
Showy
Magenta, Crimson
No
Single
Medium
Matte
Bedding Plant, Container, Cutflower, Mixed Border, Wildflower
Birds, Butterflies
Yes
© 2006-2021 Preferred Commerce. All Rights Reserved.
