Symphyotrichum, Michaelmas Daisy, New England Aster 'Alma Potschke'

Symphyotrichumnovae-angliae

Family
Asteraceae (ass-ter-AY-see-ee)
Genus
Symphyotrichum (sim-fy-oh-TRY-kum)
Species
novae-angliae (NO-vee ANG-lee-a)
Synonym
Aster novae-angliae
Sun Exposure
Full Sun
Sun to Partial Shade
Light Shade
Foliage
Herbaceous
This plant is resistant to deer
Height
36-48 in. (90-120 cm)
Spacing
36-48 in. (90-120 cm)
Hardiness
USDA Zone 3a: to -39.9 °C (-40 °F)
USDA Zone 3b: to -37.2 °C (-35 °F)
USDA Zone 4a: to -34.4 °C (-30 °F)
USDA Zone 4b: to -31.6 °C (-25 °F)
USDA Zone 5a: to -28.8 °C (-20 °F)
USDA Zone 5b: to -26.1 °C (-15 °F)
USDA Zone 6a: to -23.3 °C (-10 °F)
USDA Zone 6b: to -20.5 °C (-5 °F)
USDA Zone 7a: to -17.7 °C (0 °F)
USDA Zone 7b: to -14.9 °C (5 °F)
USDA Zone 8a: to -12.2 °C (10 °F)
USDA Zone 8b: to -9.4 °C (15 °F)
USDA Zone 9a: to -6.6 °C (20 °F)
USDA Zone 9b: to -3.8 °C (25 °F)
Danger
N/A
Bloom Color
Rose/Mauve
Magenta (pink-purple)
Bloom Time
Late Summer/Early Fall
Other Details
Category
Perennials
Water Requirements
Drought-tolerant; suitable for xeriscaping
Average Water Needs; Water regularly; do not overwater
Foliage Color
Where to Grow
Bloom Characteristics
This plant is attractive to bees, butterflies and/or birds
Bloom Size
Other details
Soil pH requirements
5.1 to 5.5 (strongly acidic)
5.6 to 6.0 (acidic)
6.1 to 6.5 (mildly acidic)
Patent Information
Propagation Methods
By dividing the rootball
From seed; direct sow outdoors in fall
From seed; stratify if sowing indoors
From seed; sow indoors before last frost
Self-sows freely; deadhead if you do not want volunteer seedlings next season
Seed Collecting
Allow seedheads to dry on plants; remove and collect seeds
Regional

This plant is said to grow outdoors in the following regions:

Arroyo Grande, California

Bogart, Georgia

Cordele, Georgia

Ames, Iowa

Sioux Center, Iowa

Roslindale, Massachusetts

Sandwich, Massachusetts

Marquette, Michigan

Pinconning, Michigan

Stephenson, Michigan

Luverne, Minnesota

Florence, Mississippi

Mechanicville, New York

New York City, New York

Fargo, North Dakota

Norristown, Pennsylvania

Menasha, Wisconsin

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Gardener's Notes:

5
positives
0
neutral
0
negative
Sort By:
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C
ROSLINDALE, MA | September 2014 | positive

The strong color is unique among New England Asters. I'd describe it as "hot pink". Catalogs often describe it as "salmon-pink", which it...Read More

M
Omaha, NE | May 2008 | positive

This aster is so very easy to grow in zone 5 and gives a beautiful display of color. It is quite fuss free and dependable. It does need...Read More

B
Appleton, WI (Zone 5a) | December 2005 | positive

This plant remains quiet until late summer/early fall when it explodes in bright pink. It does gain size steadily - great to pass along to others.

P
Moxee, WA (Zone 4a) | October 2005 | positive

We're in Zone 4 due to the fact we're out on a farm and there is little protection from the wintry elements. I planted 10 asters of this...Read More

P
Westbrook, ME (Zone 5a) | January 2003 | positive

'Alma Potschke' is another great aster for adding late color to the garden when ther's little else blooming. I find she needs to be divid...Read More

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