Wednesday's Story

The many colors of Autumn…

That are coming into play here in the northeast are varying yellows, oranges, reds and browns. In September, though, I have also come across another color to add to the autumnal palette: fuchsia. Yes, it’s quite a surprise, just as mother nature is constantly surprising us lately. This fun burst of color, for me, softens the change of the seasons and saying goodbye to summer.

points of interest

Bringing cheerful fall color, this aster has abundant, deep rose-pink petals (ray florets) with sunny yellow centers (disk florets). Among the tallest of the aster family, plants are clump-forming and hairy with short rhizomes and thick stems, densely covered with stalkless mid green leaves. Blooms for 4 weeks or longer from late summer to mid autumn on strong stems bearing terminal sprays about 10” across. Deer and rabbit resistant and great nectar source for butterflies. Useful as cut flower as well.

general care

Plant in well-cultivated, moist, fertile soil in sun or partial shade. Provide good air circulation to avoid powdery mildew. Stake in spring and if desired, cut back by up to 1/2 to encourage bushiness. Divide every second or third year.

friday’s flower fact

On cloudy days and at night, the September Ruby New England Aster flowers droop and close until the sun shines again.