asters for the mid-atlantic region

inspiration education conservation

Asters for the Mid-Atlantic RegionPerformance Evaluation and Recommendations for Landscape Use

JEANNE FRETT, RESEARCH HORTICULTURIST AND VICTOR PIATT, TRIAL AREA GARDENER

MT. CUBA C ENTER RESEARCH REPO RT 2006

sters, the “stars of autumn,” are invaluable additions to the lateseason garden. They are suitable for many sites and styles ofgardening, from rock gardens and meadows to formal bedding and

ecological restoration, and are easily grown and propagated.Asters belong to the Daisy or Sunflower Family, formerly Compositae,

now Asteraceae. Their flower heads appear to be a single flower but are actu-ally comprised of many flowers-central disk florets and outer ray florets.Disk florets are generally yellow but may be purple or rose-purple,providing nectar and pollen to visiting insects. Surrounding these are strap-shaped ray florets found in an attractive array of colors including white,pink, blue and purple.There are an estimated 250-300 species of asters worldwide. Asters are

found in a wide range of habitats—from salt marshes, beaches and swampsto fields, woodlands, thickets, limestone cliffs and roadsides. Some thrivein bright sunlight while others are adapted to shade. The asters chosen forthis study flower from late July to November, range in height from 9 inchesto 6 feet, and vary in habit from clumping to running or vining.

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L401482_AsterBro:MC_AsterBro Rev.1 5.26.09 7/29/09 10:14 AM

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Description of Evaluation ProjectIn 2002, Mt. Cuba Center, located near Wilmington, DE,

(USDA Hardiness Zone 7A/6B) initiated a project to evaluate56 commercially available species and cultivars of asters,predominantly native to the eastern U.S. A special effort wasmade to include lesser known species that have not been fullyevaluated for their potential ornamental use. Data was collectedfrom 2003-2005. The goal was to recommend superior taxabased on the following observations: floral display (flower color,inflorescence size, flower coverage, bloom period); habit (height,width, foliage quality, habit quality-need for staking orpinching); winter hardiness; cultural adaptability; and diseaseand pest resistance. Ratings were based on a 1–5 scale with1=very poor, 5=excellent.

All plants were grown in an 11,000 sq. ft. trial garden protectedby an 18-36" wire fence within a 100 acre garden protected bya 10' deer exclusion fence. Most beds were in full sun; however,partial shade was provided to woodland aster species by severalnearby mature pines and sweet gum trees located outside thefence. The clay-loam soil in the trial garden, site of a former cutflower garden, had been amended over the years with compostedleaves. It had an average pH of 7.0. The planting rows weremounded 2-4" to assure good drainage.

Maintenance was minimal to simulate home gardening condi-tions. Beds were periodically weeded and hand watered duringperiods of drought. The beds were not fertilized and weremulched with shredded leaves and hardwood bark. Plants wereroutinely deadheaded to prevent reseeding. Winter protectionwas not provided.

Recent Changes in NomenclatureThe term “aster” is still correct if used as a common name but

recent changes in botanical nomenclature have made its useincorrect for the species native to North America. According tobotanists, the genus Aster is restricted to Eurasia. Those speciesnative to North America that were formerly classified as being inthe genus Aster have now been divided into separate genera.Eastern North American genera include: Symphyotrichum, Ionactis,Eurybia, Seriocarpus, Doellingeria, Ampelaster and Oclemena. Fortunately,the specific epithets remain similar to those formerly used andthe common name for all the above genera is still aster. Forexample, Aster novae-angliae is now Symphyotrichum novae-angliae.Even so, the common name remains New England aster.

Historically, the genus Aster, used in a broad sense, has been acatchall genus, fraught with confusion and controversy.The famous19th century American botanist, Asa Gray, working at HarvardUniversity, attempted to define the limits of the genus and the

taxonomy of the individual species. He ultimately took a broad, allencompassing view of Aster that had been accepted until recently.More than 150 North American plants were included in the genus.

In 1994, Dr. Guy Nesom, a research botanist, attemptedto reclassify the genus into a number of smaller units based onmorphology (form and structure) and chromosomes. He con-cluded that none of the American so-called “asters” were closelyrelated to Eurasian asters. This was initially met with skepticismbut subsequent molecular and taxonomic research supportedNesom’s hypothesis. Since, historically, the first describedspecies of Aster was European, it became necessary for all of theNorth American species to be transferred to the Latin tongue-twisting genera names previously mentioned.

We have adopted these new names in our plant record systemand signage at Mt. Cuba Center. However, in this report they arelisted as Aster to avoid confusion, while their currently acceptedscientific names are added as a synonym. Note that the majorityof the former Aster species belong to the current generaSymphyotrichum and Eurybia.

Observations, 2003-2005Fifty-six taxa of asters, including nine New England aster

(Aster novae-angliae) and seven NewYork aster (Aster novi-belgii) cul-tivars were observed for ornamental characteristics including flo-ral display and habit, cultural adaptability, winter hardiness andresistance to diseases and pests. Table 1 (page 8) summarizes theseplant characteristics and their performance ratings: 5=excellent,4=good, 3=fair, 2=poor, 1=very poor.We found that with onlya few exceptions, most of the asters in the trial were rated at leastgood to fair.We were especially interested to learn how the littleknown species performed in relationship to commercially avail-able cultivars and well-known species.

Individual flower color and size, length of time in bloom,flower coverage and foliage quality, habit quality and plantheight and width measurements were recorded for each plant.Flower color ranged from white to dark violet. Flower (flowerhead) diameter ranged from 1/4" to 21/2". Flower coverage inmost cases was excellent, from 75-100%.

Clean, attractive foliage throughout the growing season, whichwas considered to be an important characteristic, weighed quiteheavily in scoring. Many of the New England and New Yorkaster cultivars gave a vibrant, eye-catching show of flower colorin autumn but the plants were marred in other seasons by insectsand foliar diseases. In particular, Aster laevis ‘Calliope’ and Asterpilosus were disfigured by rusts. Lace bugs were particularlydamaging and widespread in 2004, especially on the species withlarger leaves such as Aster macrophyllus and Aster novae-angliae.


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SYMPHYOTRICHUMIONACTISEURYBIA

SERIOCARPUSDOELLINGERIAAMPELASTER &

OCLEMENA

Another attribute that significantly affected the rating washabit, which ranged from weak and floppy to sturdy and upright.In some cases, the weak and floppy habit of the stems, or splay-ing, could be controlled by early pinching. In other cases,though, staking was necessary. Ultimately, these habit-modifyingmaintenance techniques reduced their ratings.Plants that proved vigorous to the point of being aggressive

included Aster macrophyllus, A. prenanthoides, A. puniceus andA. novae-angliae. Aster patens was notable for its lack of vigor.

Aster concolor was the only species that was not winter hardy(see plant description for explanation) and died after beingplanted several times. Aster carolinianus and Aster puniceus ssp.elliottii flowered so late in the season that they were frost damaged.The following information includes a description of the top-

rated asters and the reasons for their ratings, citing bothstrengths and weaknesses. Also included are a number of astersthat scored lower than the top-rated asters but possessed inter-esting characteristics that some gardeners might find sufficientlyintriguing to include in their gardens.

Top-rated Asters

Aster laevis ‘Bluebird’ (Symphyotrichum laeve ‘Bluebird’) Smooth Asterhas stout, upright 3-4' stems and smooth, leathery, slightly glossy,bluish-green leaves that are widely lance-shaped and reduced in sizeas they proceed up the stem. The medium violet-blue, 1 1/4-1 1/2"flowers with yellow centers are borne in abundance on loose pan-icles from late September to late October.

• Attractive, pest-free foliage that is generally pleasingthroughout the seasons

• Vigorous, upright habit that under most conditions does notrequire staking and can be controlled through pinching

• Large flower size, excellent coverage and quality• Drought tolerant; may grow taller and perhaps open upon rich soils

Aster turbinellus (Symphyotrichum turbinellum) Prairie Aster is amounded 3-3 1/2', shrub-like perennial of delicate texture. Its11/4-11/2" violet flowers are born in abundance on numerous stiff,wiry, leafless branches near the tips of the stems, nearly coveringthem, and giving the plant a billowy, cloud-like appearance. Thefoliage at the base of the plant is lance-shaped, 2-4" long, clean,and rich medium green in color.

• Attractive mounding habit, excellent foliage texture• Large flowers, abundantly produced• Disease resistant; excellent health and vigor• Drought tolerant; may open up on rich soils but overallappearance is attractive due to its billowy habit

SOME NEW NAMES FOR EASTERN

NORTH AMERICAN ASTERS:


Aster lateriflorus ‘Lovely’ (Symphyotrichum lateriflorum ‘Lovely’) CalicoAster produces a profusion of star-shaped 1/2" light violetflowers with rosy-pink centers from early to late September, on stiff,very twiggy, 2 1/2-3' stems. The tiny, toothed leaves are dark green.

• Dwarf, bushy habit and texture reminiscent of a dwarf conifer• Excellent flower number and coverage• Drought tolerant and disease resistant• Pleasing appearance without the need of frequent division• Great pollinator; when in flower, it hums with insects• As the plant ages, it has a slight tendency to open up

in the middle

Aster oblongifolius ‘October Skies’ (Symphyotrichum oblongifolium‘October Skies’) Aromatic Aster has 1 1/8-1 1/4" medium violet-blueflowers on 2' plants from late September to late October. It is a rough,bushy plant with numerous branches bearing short narrow leaves.

• Smaller stature and tighter habit compared to Aster oblongifolius‘Raydon’s Favorite’ and Aster oblongifolius var. angustatus

• Aromatic foliage, disease and pest resistant• Attractive flower color, excellent coverage and persistence• Mounding, cloud-like habit, vigorous growth• Doesn’t need pinching, branches support each other;

if the foliage opens up, it fills in with time

Aster umbellatus (Doellingeria umbellata) Flat-Topped White Aster isa bushy 2' plant with clean, attractive foliage throughout the season.The medium green leaves are up to 4" long and taper at bothends. The showy, 3/4" white flowers form a broad flattenedcluster, the outer ones being the first to expand. Flowers appearearly in the season from late July to late August.

• Early season floral display that fades to a pleasant greenish-white color for weeks after peak bloom

• Clean, neat foliage, attractively arranged on the stems andsufficiently ornamental to stand alone after the plant flowers

• Drought tolerant; pest and disease resistant

Aster acuminatus (Oclemena acuminata) Mountain Aster has sharplytoothed leaves, about 4" long, which taper to a narrow point. The3/4-1" white flowers are loosely arranged on leafless stalks andproduced from early to late September on 2 1/2' plants.

• Good-looking foliage, initially light to medium green,acquiring coppery overtones as it matures; remainsornamentally attractive throughout the season

• Burgundy stems; pleasing mounding habit• Flowers are well presented at the ends of the stems; pleasing

contrast between the white flowers and the foliage• Good groundcover; if the stems splay as they mature,

new stems appear from the middle of the plant

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Aster divaricatus ‘Raiche’ (Eurybia divaricata ‘Raiche’)WhiteWoodAster produces loose clumps of maroon almost black, rathersprawling stems 11/2-2' tall. The long-petioled leaves are heartshaped and toothed. The white 3/4-1” flowers have few rayflorets, but the mostly terminal, flat-topped clusters are producedin abundance.

• Handsome foliage, mounding habit; pinch several timesto produce a more compact habit and prevent splaying

• Tolerant of dry shade; disease and pest resistant• Aster divaricatus ‘Silver Spray’ is very similar in appearancebut did not seem quite as vigorous in our trial

Aster dumosus (Symphyotrichum dumosum) Bushy Aster is a 4' tallplant with many upright branches bearing short, narrow leaves.The flower heads are borne along the branches or at their tips,light violet 5/8" flowers appear from late August to late September.

• Attractive flowers that are well displayed around the stem• Clean foliage that persists; retains foliage to the ground• Pest and disease resistant; performed well during a verywet summer

• Pinching the plant early in the season produces a denserfloral display

Aster grandiflorus (Symphyotrichum grandiflorum) Large-Flowered Asterhas 11/4-11/2" medium violet flowers from mid-October to lateNovember at the tips of the leafy bracts, giving the appearanceof little buttons. The linear to lance-shaped leaves are stiff,rough textured and up to 3" long.

• Upright oval shape; branches can be pinched to producea bushier habit and denser floral display

• Large flowers• Pest and disease resistant; performed well throughouta wet year

• Does not need frequent division

Aster linariifolius (Ionactis linariifolius) Stiff Aster has numerousshort, stiff, needle-like leaves. Each 12-15" stem usually bears asingle flower but there are many stems to a clump. Light violet1" flowers appear from early September to early October.

• Distinctive low stature, conifer-like texture• Upright-facing flowers produced in abundance• Outstanding performance in sunny scree (gravel)garden affording excellent drainage

• Disease and pest resistant; drought tolerant• Does not require frequent division; occasionally opensup in the center but will fill in with time

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Aster novi-belgii ‘Wood’s Purple’ (Symphyotrichum novi-belgii ‘Wood’sPurple’) New York Aster has medium violet, 1-11/4" flowersfrom mid-late September on 14" plants.

• Relatively clean foliage, vigorous growth• Rich flower color, almost complete coverage• Low, mounding habit with or without pinching;branches do not splay

Aster drummondii (Symphyotrichum drummondii) Drummond’s Asteris an upright, multi-stemmed, 5-6' plant that can be reduced insize through pinching, but generally does not need staking. It hasrough, lance-shaped leaves and small, 3/4-1" light violet flowerswith excellent coverage from mid-September to mid-October.

• Abundant flowers; has potential as a cut flower• Pest and disease resistant; drought tolerant

Aster paludosus ssp. hemisphericus (Eurybia hemispherica) PrairieWood Aster has rough, stiff leaves, mostly narrow on relativelyunbranched stems. The large 11/8-11/2" medium to dark violet-blue flowers appear from mid-September to early October on 2'plants. The sharp bracts beneath the ray florets are numerous, inmany rows, forming a broad, round hemispherical head.

• Large flowers with attractive color• Unusual foliage texture; relatively clean foliage• Spreading habit that is not aggressive; stems have a tendencyto flop, suggesting their use for bank plantings where thischaracteristic could be used to create a cascading effect

Aster spectabilis (Eurybia spectabilis) Showy Aster has very large2-21/4" medium violet flowers closely clustered at the tip ofeach stem and produced from early September to early Octoberon 12-18" plants. The leaves are elliptic in shape.

• Large flowers produced over a long period of time• Nice fall and winter burgundy-colored foliage• Insect and disease resistant• Rhizomatous habit that is not aggressive• Stems tend to splay rather than remaining upright


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Aster schreberi (Eurybia schreberi)Schreber’s Aster looks very much likea refined Aster macrophyllus. It has white3/4-1" flowers from mid-July to mid-August on 21/2-3' stoloniferousstems. It would also make an effectivegroundcover.

Aster nemoralis (Oclemena nemoralis)Bog Aster is a small plant with thincreeping rhizomes and slender stems.The medium purple 1" flowersappear from late August to earlySeptember on 10" plants. It is nativeto northern sphagnum bogs. Undercooler, moister conditions it might

make an effective groundcover or rock garden plant. For us,flowering was sparse but the foliage was neat and attractive,though occasionally chlorotic.

Aster novae-angliae ‘Purple Dome’(Symphyotrichum novae-angliae ‘PurpleDome’) New England Aster forms asolid, compact mound of mediumviolet 11/2- 13/4" flowers on 2'plants from mid-September to earlyOctober.New England asters are susceptible

to foliar diseases such as powdery mildew, tar spot and rusts, aswell as infestations of Japanese beetles and lace bugs. Theyneed frequent division to maintain vigor and curb wanderingrhizomes. They also frequently splay from the weight of theflowers, especially during wet weather. Pinching and staking areabsolutely necessary. Although the flowers are extremely colorful,the foliage is a rather non-descript grayish-green color.Because of its low stature, the flowers of Aster novae-angliae

‘Purple Dome’ tend to hide unsightly foliage better than thetaller cultivars. It was the most manageable of the NewEngland aster cultivars.

Aster avitus (Eurybia avita) Alexander’sGrass-Leaf Aster didn’t enter theevaluation until 2004 but appears tohave potential as an ornamental.Theoverall appearance is a low mound,20" tall by 48" wide, with uprightstems, grass-like leaves and 3/4-1"light violet flowers borne in abun-

dance. Flowering starts in early September and reaches nearlycomplete coverage around October 4th. It is native toStone Mountain, Georgia, as well as granite flat-rocks inGeorgia and Pickens County, South Carolina. The nativehabitat and habit of this aster suggests its possible use as arock garden plant.

Asters Worth Mentioning:

Aster concolor (Symphyotrichum concolor)Eastern Silvery Aster has numeroussmall, downy or silky, elliptic leaves thatgive the plant its distinctive appearance.The medium violet-blue 3/4 -1" flow-ers are arranged above a typicallyunbranched, wand-like stem and areproduced from mid-October to late

November on 1-2' plants.This late-flowering aster is found in old fields, pinelands, savannas

and grassy openings in pine-oak woodlands on dry, sandy soil. Itis growing well in the richer soil of the trial garden. Althoughthere is a tendency for the stems to lodge or fall over from theweight of the flowers, it would be suitable for a meadow amonggrasses for support.

Aster cordifolius ‘Photograph’ (Symphyotrichumcordifolium ‘Photograph’) BlueWood Asterhas thin, sharply toothed, heart-shapedleaves, above which appear clouds of1-11/4" light purple flowers on arching,branched 3’ stems from late September tolate October.It has merit because of the rich color,

large size and abundance of flowers, length of display and non-aggressive habit. It tends to splay but pinching controls thisproblem. It is prone to foliar diseases and poor flowering in wetseasons but this is not a problem in dryer seasons.

Aster georgianus (Symphyotrichumgeorgianum) Georgia Aster is a 4' plantthat blooms late in the season frommid-October to late November. Itschief attraction is its large 21/4-21/2"medium violet flowers that are borne atthe tips of the branches. The plant hasthick, elliptic leaves up to 3" long.

Hardiness has not been a problem.If this plant were pinched periodically during the season to

control height, it would be a good plant for larger spaces. Itsvibrant flowers are eye-catching and unusual so late in the season.

Aster macrophyllus (Eurybia macrophylla)Large-Leaf Aster has creepingrhizomes that produce many clusters ofbasal leaves. Its light violet-blue 1-11/4"flowers are produced from late Augustto late September on 3-4' plants.This plant forms a dense, tough,

spreading groundcover that is veryattractive in shady locations throughout the growing season, butespecially when the heart-shaped leaves are fresh in spring. Thelimiting factor for this species is the rather unattractive, sparse,frequently muddy-white to light violet blue flowers on 3-4' floppystems that might be removed for a more attractive appearance.


TABLE 1PLANT CHARACTERISTICS AND

PERFORMANCE SUMMARY RATINGS

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SummaryThe plants that gardeners commonly refer to as asters are a diverse group; taxonomists have separated them into a number of genera.

To those gardeners who are only familiar with the New England and NewYork asters, this comparative study of 56 species and cultivars willhopefully raise awareness of the ornamental potential of several other species and cultivars and the quality of their performance in the mid-Atlantic region. Variations in height, color, bloom period, cultural preferences, disease and insect resistance, and hardiness provide ampleopportunity to select for a particular site or design requirement.Fourteen species or cultivars with ratings of 4.5 or above out of 5 were described in detail. These included Aster laevis ‘Bluebird’, Aster turbinellus,

Aster lateriflorus ‘Lovely’, Aster oblongifolius ‘October Skies’, Aster umbellatus, Aster acuminatus, Aster divaricatus ‘Raiche’, Aster dumosus, Aster grandiflorus, Asterlinariifolius, Aster novi-belgii ‘Wood’s Purple’, Aster drummondii, Aster paludosus ssp. hemisphericus and Aster spectabilis. Table 1 provides information that willenable gardeners to learn the merits of all 56 plants surveyed in the study and make selections based on their unique needs.

ReferencesArmitage, A.M., Herbaceous Perennial Plants, Champaign, Illinois: Stipes Publishing, 1997.Jones, S. B., and L. Foote, Gardening with Native Wild Flowers, Portland, Oregon: Timber Press, 1990.Hawke, R., “Plant Evaluation at the Chicago Botanic Garden,” Perennial Plants, Autumn, 2002, p. 11-14.Picton, P., The Gardener’s Guide to Growing Asters, Portland, Oregon: Timber Press, 1999.Sanders, J., The Secrets of Wildflowers, Guilford, Connecticut: The Globe Pequot Press, 2003.Royal Horticultural Society, Colour Chart, London: RHS, 2001.

P.O. Box 3570Greenville, Delaware 19807

For a downloadable versionof this document go towww.mtcubacenter.org

Mt. Cuba Center is a non-profitorganization committed to

promoting an appreciation forplants native to the AppalachianPiedmont, encouraging theiruse in gardens, and supportingtheir conservation in nature.

ASTERS FLOWER COLOR RHS # FLOWER SIZE PEAK BLOOM BLOOM PERIOD SIZE H X W RATINGACUMINATUS WHITE WHITE 3/4-1" 9/18 EARLY-LATE SEPT 31 X 57" 4.6CAROLINIANUS LT VIOLET BLUE 84B/C 11/4" 11/26 MID NOV-EARLY DEC 83 X 41" 3.9CONCOLOR MED VIOLET BLUE 90C/D 3/4-1" 10/25 MID OCT-LATE NOV 19 X 35" DEADCORDIFOLIUS LT VIOLET 85C 1/2-5/8" 10/7 LATE SEPT-LATE OCT 34 X 77" 4.4C. 'PHOTOGRAPH' LT PURPLE 76A 1-11/4" 9/24 LATE SEPT-LATE OCT 36 X 56" 4.2

DIVARICATUS 'RAICHE' WHITE WHITE 3/4-1" 9/10 LATE AUG-LATE SEPT 21 X 63" 4.6D. 'EASTERN STAR' WHITE WHITE 3/4" 9/24 EARLY SEPT-MID OCT 25 X 50" 4.5D. 'SILVER SPRAY' WHITE WHITE 3/4-1" 9/10 EARLY-LATE SEPT 40 X 70" 4.6DRUMMONDII LT VIOLET 85B 3/4-1" 10/7 MID SEPT-MID OCT 60 X 80" 4.5DUMOSUS LT VIOLET 85A/B 5/8" 9/15 LATE AUG-LATE SEPT 48 X 45" 4.6

D. 'ROSE SERENADE' LT PURPLE 76A 1-11/4" 9/24 MID SEPT-MID OCT 27 X 62" 4.3ERICOIDES 'PINK STAR' LT PURPLE VIOLET 80B/C 3/4-7/8" 9/22 MID SEPT-MID OCT 60 X 36" 3.8E. F. PROSTRATUS 'SNOW FLURRY' WHITE WHITE 1/4" 10/14 MID-LATE OCT 9 X 50" 3.8GEORGIANUS MED VIOLET 88A 21/4-21/2" 11/4 MID OCT-LATE NOV 48 X 80" 4GRANDIFLORUS MED VIOLET 88A 11/2-11/4" 10/27 MID OCT-LATE NOV 46 X 72" 4.6

LAEVIS 'BLUEBIRD' MED VIOLET BLUE 90D 11/4- 11/2" 9/27 LATE SEPT-LATE OCT 48 X 40" 4.8L. 'CALLIOPE' MED VIOLET 85A/B 1-11/2" 9/26 MID SEPT-EARLY OCT 32 X 67" 2.6LANCEOLATUS LIGHT VIOLET 85C 3/4-1" 9/18 EARLY-LATE SEPT 50 X 36" 3.5LATERIFLORUS 'LADY IN BLACK' WHITE WHITE 1/2" 9/30 MID SEPT-MID OCT 45 X 55" 4.5L. VAR. LATERIFLORUS 'LOVELY' LT VIOLET 84C 1/2" 9/18 EARLY-LATE SEPT 30 X 52" 4.7

LINARIIFOLIUS LT VIOLET 88D 1-11/4" 9/22 EARLY-LATE SEPT 15 X 25" 4.6MACROPHYLLUS LT VIOLET BLUE 91B 1-11/4" 9/5 LATE AUG-LATE SEPT 49 X 55" 4.2M. 'ALBUS' WHITE WHITE 3/4-11/4" 7/21 LATE JULY-LATE AUG 35 X 74" 4.3NEMORALIS MED PURPLE 75A 1" 9/1 LATE AUG-EARLY SEPT 11 X 40" 3.9NOVAE-ANGLIAE 'ALMA POTSCHKE' MED RED PURPLE 67A/B 11/4-11/2" 9/20 MID SEPT-EARLY OCT 37 X 45" 3.6

N.A. 'BARR'S BLUE' MED VIOLET 88B 13/4-2" 9/30 MID SEPT-EARLY OCT 38 X 36" 3.9N.A. 'HELLA LACY' MED VIOLET 88A/B 11/2-13/4" 9/27 MID SEPT-EARLY OCT 52 X 48" 2.5N.A. 'HONEYSONG PINK' MED RED PURPLE 70B/C 11/4-11/2" 9/20 EARLY-LATE SEPT 61 X 48" 3.5N.A. 'LACHSGLUT' MED RED PURPLE 68A/B 11/4-1/2" 9/24 MID-LATE SEPT 58 X 45" 3.5N.A. 'MRS. S.T. WRIGHT' MED VIOLET 88C 2-21/2" 9/24 MID-LATE SEPT 38 X 64" 3.9

N.A. 'PURPLE DOME' MED VIOLET 87A 11/2-13/4" 9/24 MID SEPT-EARLY OCT 25 X 44" 3.9N.A. 'ROSA SEIGER' MED RED PURPLE 64B/C 11/4-11/2" 9/24 MID-LATE SEPT 36 X 72" 3.9NOVI-BELGII 'ALERT' MED PURPLE VIOLET 80A 1-11/8" 9/20 MID-LATE SEPT 17 X 28" 4.4N.B. 'HEINZ RICHARD' MED PURPLE VIOLET 82C 11/8-11/4" 9/20 MID-LATE SEPT 20 X 36" 4.1N.B.'NESTHAKCHEN' MED VIOLET 84B/C 1-11/4" 9/20 MID-LATE SEPT 16 X 30" 3.4

N.B. 'RICHNESS' MED VIOLET 87A 11/8-11/4" 9/20 MID-LATE SEPT 37 X 72" 2.9N.B. 'WOOD'S LIGHT BLUE' MED VIOLET BLUE 90C/D 11/4" 9/20 MID-LATE SEPT 22 X 42" 3.5N.B. 'WOOD'S PINK' LT RED PURPLE 74D 11/8-11/2" 9/20 MID-LATE SEPT 16 X 33" 3.5N.B. 'WOOD'S PURPLE' MED VIOLET 88B/C 1-11/4" 9/20 MID-LATE SEPT 14 X 32" 4.6OBLONGIFOLIUS 'FANNY'S ASTER' MED VIOLET BLUE 90C 11/2-13/4" 11/15 LATE OCT-LATE NOV 35 X 76" 4.3

O. 'OCTOBER SKIES' MED VIOLET BLUE 90B/C 11/8-11/4" 10/14 LATE SEPT-LATE OCT 25 X 38" 4.7O. 'RAYDON'S FAVORITE' MED VIOLET BLUE 90C 13/4" 10/24 MID OCT-MID NOV 36 X 72" 4.6O. VAR ANGUSTATUS MED VIOLET BLUE 90C 11/2-13/4" 11/1 MID OCT-MID NOV 31 X 48" 4.4PALUDOSUS SSP. HEMISPHERICUS DK VIOLET BLUE 90A-D 11/8-11/2" 9/22 MID SEPT-EARLY OCT 23 X 44" 4.5PATENS DK VIOLET 88A 1-11/8" 10/7 LATE SEPT-MID OCT 37 X 18" 3.4

PILOSUS WHITE WHITE 5/8" 9/25 MID SEPT-MID OCT 54 X 48" 3.4PRENANTHOIDES MED VIOLET BLUE 91A 7/8" 9/30 MID SEPT-MID OCT 48 X 87" 3.4PUNICEUS MED VIOLET BLUE 94C 1-11/4" 10/3 LATE SEPT-LATE OCT 93 X 180" 3.7P. SSP. ELLIOTTII MED PURPLE 77C 1-11/8" 12/3 LATE NOV-EARLY DEC 80 X 72" 3.6RETROFLEXUS MED VIOLET BLUE 90D 11/4-11/2" 9/30 LATE SEPT-MID OCT 45 X 29" 4.1

SCHREBERI WHITE WHITE 3/4-1" 7/21 MID JULY-MID AUG 32 X 19" 4.4SPECTABILIS MED VIOLET 85 A/B 2-21/4" 9/24 EARLY SEPT-EARLY OCT 14 X 60" 4.5TURBINELLUS MED VIOLET 85A/B 11/4-11/2" 10/7 LATE SEPT-MID OCT 38 X 68" 4.8UMBELLATUS WHITE WHITE 1/2-3/4" 8/18 LATE JULY-LATE AUG 23 X 52" 4.7X HERVEYI LT VIOLET 85B 1-11/4" 9/15 MID AUG-EARLY OCT 37 X 41" 4

OVERALL RATINGS: 5=EXCELLENT, 4=GOOD, 3=FAIR, 2=POOR, 1=VERY POOR

Revised 2009
