Aster (genus, Michaelmas daisy)

Japanese name: アスター
Scientific name: Aster

[Overview]
A perennial or annual 70–180 cm tall.
The stem is erect or slightly arching, and often branches into thin twigs in the upper part.
The leaves are simple and alternate, lanceolate, and borne densely and in large numbers up to the stem tip.
The flowers form inflorescences at the stem tips and are numerous, often about 1–2.5 cm across, in white, purple, bluish purple, pink and other colors.

[Cultivation]
It prefers a well-drained, partially shaded place that does not receive the afternoon sun.
The roots are damaged in very wet ground, but if it becomes too dry in summer, brown spots may appear on the leaves and the plant may wither.
Propagate by division.
Pests and diseases include root rot, powdery mildew, armyworms and aphids.

[Notes]
Aster comes from the Greek word meaning "star" and refers to the shape of the flower heads.
Also, the China aster (Callistephus chinensis), which was classified as an Aster in the past, is still cultivated under the common name "aster" and widely sold as a cut flower.

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