Product Description
Aster novi-belgii 'Alert'Common name: Aster-Aromatic, Michaelmas Daisy.
Zones 3 to 8.
Full sun.
Plants reach 12 to 15 inches tall and 15 to 18 inches wide.
Growth rate: Moderate, easy to grow.
Deep purplish-red flowers form densely packed clusters of vibrant color in the garden from late summer into fall. Native to North America, novi-belgii species is cherished for its compact growth habit and rich floriferous color. They make a terrific accent to fall blooming grasses and the changing colors of the trees. 'Alert' has an especially compact habit and the flowers are great for cutting.
This species performs best in rich, evenly moist soil and full sun, though it is also tolerant of drought, sandy, clay and poor soil. Give them lots of room to grow; good air circulation will help to prevent powdery mildew. To maintain their health and vigor, divide plants every couple of years in the spring.
Excellent as a border plant, containers or window boxes, for cut flowers, mass plantings, and salt tolerant. Attracts butterflies.
Other Details
The most important part of the plant is its root system. Healthy roots are the foundation of a healthy, vibrant plant. The type of plug container used is based on the specific needs of the plants. Perennials offered as bare root traditionally perform better when planted as bare root.Planted in a specialized mix, potted plants have well established root systems. Top growth stage will vary depending on the current life cycle and time of year when shipped. In Winter and early Spring dormant plants may be shipped. Dormant plants may be planted right away, even before the last frost date.
Most bare root varieties are field grown for at least one season, though Hemerocallis and Hosta are grown for two seasons. The bulk of the soil is removed during the harvesting process and the tops of most varieties are trimmed back to the crown. They are graded, packed in shredded aspen or sphagnum moss and stored in freezers until ready to be shipped.
See our Container Sizes and Bare Root Perennials pages for more information.
Plant information and care is provided in the Overview section, Plant Genus Page and general information is provided in the Planting Care & Guides. Additional questions can be asked on each Plant page.
Plant Spacing: Using the maximum mature spread or width of a plant to guide spacing, ensures space to grow to full size. To fill an area sooner, plant them closer together. Just remember, future thinning or transplanting may be needed.
Water: Keep a close eye on newly planted perennials, especially throughout the first growing year. Most early plant loss is due to too much or too little water!
