Why You Should Always Provide Aster Flowers With Stakes

With bright petals on daisy-like flowers, asters (Symphyotrichum spp.) are a popular addition to any garden. Known as a keystone species, asters serve as an important food source for pollinators in late summer and early fall. Varieties can grow anywhere between 2 to 6 feet tall and may begin to fall over as they bloom, making it harder for insects to reach them. Providing your asters with stakes can help support this valuable food source and extend the life of these late-blooming flowers.

Although it's still a member of the Asteraceae family, the common aster native to North America is not part of the genus Aster, which is native to Europe and Asia. Instead, these flowers belong to the genus Symphyotrichum, which encompasses more than 100 different species that include both mounding and upright varieties. While some species, such as smooth blue aster (Symphyotrichum laeve), present a mass of dainty, multi-colored flowerheads on 2 to 4-foot plants, others, like New England aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae), are known for their larger blooms on towering stalks.

Regardless of their size, though, these flowers support a diverse ecosystem by attracting pollinators with late-summer blooms. Some species also serve as host plants for specific butterflies, such as the pearl crescent. In meadows, these tall flowers lean on other plants for support. But in the flower garden, asters benefit greatly from added stakes, ensuring both you and the pollinators can enjoy these blooms well into fall.

Growing asters is a great way to bring additional late-season color to your garden. They're also easy to grow from seed, helping you save money at the nursery. Taller types of aster, such as New England or New York aster, can grow quite quickly — but as they mature, their leggy stalks may begin to lean or droop. Luckily, there are plenty of support options to match any garden and budget.

One way to provide natural support is to plant your asters between a sturdy border, such as a fence, and other strong upright plants that don't require staking, such as irises or rose bushes. Surrounding asters with taller plants also creates dappled shade. Many species, like calico aster (Symphyotrichum lateriflorum) and the blue wood aster (Symphyotrichum cordifolium), perform well in part-sun locations. But for the ones that top out at 5 or 6 feet tall, naturally supportive companions may not be enough. 

For a neat and tidy look, consider purchasing or repurposing garden fencing and placing it in front of your growing aster to support the lengthy stems from the bottom. Circular plant supports can also help maintain your plant's structure with a less intrusive look. If you're feeling crafty, you can even repurpose wire hangers into a DIY plant hoop. With the right support, your asters will continue to light up your garden while providing precious nutrients for insects.