Aster novi belgii ‘Blue Pompon’

Aster novi belgii ‘Blue Pompon’ forms a wonderful dense clump of spectacular blue pompom-shaped flowers.

The stems are shorter than in other varieties, allowing for greater stability and wind resistence. The leaves are dark green and shiny.

The flowers are bright blue, pompom-shaped and sometimes glint with hints of dark purple. They most closely ressemble little fluffy balls of yarn.

The blooming period is long and highly attractive to pollinators.

As this Aster is sterile, they do not exhaust themselves by producing seeds and limiting other aspects of their development.

This allows for this variety to produce a great number of flowers, which are also magnificent in cut flower bouquets or any floral arrangements.

👨‍🌾GARDENING TIPS👨‍🌾: 

• • ☀️Prefers a strong morning sunshine to a blast of afternoon heat
  • 💧Applying mulch around the clump will help retain moisture for a longer period.
  • ✂️ Cutting back the stems to 20cm from the ground in January promotes a strong reconstitution
  • ➗Divide the clumps as they begin to multiply. It isn’t invasive, but can be a vigorous grower.

The Tale:

The name Aster comes from the Ancient Greek word ἀστήρ (astḗr) which means ‘star’ – we’ll assume that it refers to the shape of the flower head.

The genus used to encompass over 600 species, but various studies showed that the families of North America are actually a different kettle of fish. Today, the Aster family encompasses around 170 species, all but one of which are restricted to Eurasia.

It is one of the few flowers that blooms in fall – specifically during Michaelmas (29 September) – which is why there is even a rhyme in its honor!

• • “The Michaelmas daisies, among dead weeds, Bloom for St Michael’s valorous deeds”