Care

Grow asters in moist but well-drained soil in dappled shade or partial shade. Deadhead regularly to keep flowers coming, and cut back to the ground in late autumn. When shoots emerge the following spring, pinch out the tips to encourage more flowers to form.

Grow asters in dappled or partial shade, in any type of soil, although slightly moist soil (that never dries out) is preferable for species prone to developing powdery mildew. Asters can also be grown successfully in containers, again, preferably where the soil remains slightly moist or choose European asters, which have greater resistance to powdery mildew.