Sky Blue Aster Information
Fortunately, growing a Sky Blue aster doesn’t necessitate pronouncing the name (Symphyotrichum oolentangiense syn. Aster azureus), but you can thank botanist John L. Riddell, who first identified the plant in 1835. The name is derived from two Greek words – symphysis (junction) and trichos (hair). The rest of the rather unwieldy name pays homage to Ohio’s Olentangy River, where Riddell first found the plant in 1835. This sun-loving wildflower grows primarily in prairies and meadows. Like all wildflowers, the best way to get started when growing a Sky Blue aster is to purchase seeds or bedding plants at a nursery specializing in native plants. If you don’t have a nursery in your area, there are several providers online. Don’t attempt to remove Sky Blue asters from the wild. It’s rarely successful and most plants die once removed from their native habitat. More importantly, the plant is endangered in some areas.
How to Grow Sky Blue Asters
Growing a Sky Blue aster is suitable in USDA plant hardiness zones 3 through 9. Purchase starter plants or start seeds indoors in late winter or early spring. Blue asters are tough plants that tolerate partial shade, but bloom at their best in full sunlight. Be sure the soil drains well, as asters may rot in soggy soil. As with most aster plants, Sky Blue aster care is uninvolved. Basically, just water well during the first growing season. Thereafter, Sky Blue aster is relatively drought-tolerant but benefits from occasional irrigation, especially during, dry weather. Powdery mildew can be a problem with Sky Blue asters. Although the powdery stuff is unsightly, it rarely damages the plant. Unfortunately, there’s not much you can do about the problem, but planting where the plant gets good air circulation will help. A bit of mulch will protect the roots if you live in a chilly, northern climate. Apply in late autumn. Divide Sky Blue aster in early spring every three or four years. Once established, Sky Blue asters often self-seed. If this is a problem, deadhead regularly to limit their spread.
