Aster laterifolorus 'Lady in Black'
Good Qualities:
Year 1:
Burgundy stem (2); The dark foliage was really nice (2). It attracted a lot of attention and the fact it had a different look made it a good seller; This may have potential; Flower ages well, centers turn dark but not brown. Good late season crop, bloomed October. A very nice plant, liked by all who viewed the trial gardens; Tall. Nice contrast light flowers versus dark foliage; Filled in area solid. Plants still look excellent; Designers like it.
Year 2:
Dark foliage; This is the only aster I like and that seems to do all right for us; Excellent color - flowers did not discolor as they aged; None.
Problems:
Year 1:
Plants all lived but were very short; Needs support. Flowers open in sequence. Not a lot of flowers at one time; ‘Shrubby’ probably good trimming would allow for longer stems; Too prostrate; Looks a little weedy.
Year 2:
Bad branching habit, small flowers; Better used as landscape plant, entangled mess to pick, flowers not showy;
Trial Data
Year 1
| Yield (stems/plant) | Stem Length (inches) | Market Appreciation Rating (1) | Repeat Again Rating (1) | Ease of Cultivation Rating (1) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average | 5.4 | 24.0 | 3.4 | 3.6 | 4.9 |
(1) Data shown are from those respondents who harvested stems. Some respondents may not have harvested stems because they were too short. Flowering stems may be longer next year after plants are established. See comments section for more details.
(2) 1 to 5 scale, with 5 being the best. Market ratings are based on sales to wholesalers, retailers, or final consumers direct.
Year 2
| Plants Surviving (%) | Yield (stems/plant) | Stem Length (inches) | Market Appreciation Rating - Wholesale (1) | Market Appreciation Rating - Retail (1) | Market Appreciation Rating - Consumer (1) | Repeat Again Rating (2) | Ease of Cultivation Rating (2) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average | 100.0 | 6.5 | 31.7 | 5.0 | 4.0 | 3.5 | 3.7 | 5.0 |
(1) Data shown are from those respondents who harvested stems. Some respondents may not have harvested stems because they were too short. Flowering stems may be longer next year after plants are established. See comments section for more details.
(2) 1 to 5 scale, with 5 being the best. Market ratings are based on sales to wholesalers, retailers, or final consumers direct.
Supplier
North Creek Nursery (NC)
388 North Creek Rd.
Landenberg, PA 19350
610-255-0100
FAX 610-255-4762
Comments:
Year 1:
Grows just like the Aster ‘White Master’ that was tested last year but different stem color; Similar to Aster lateriflorus which is white; The real surprise of the trials. Very nice filler flower with very usable stems; Probably would benefit from day length modification to extend flowering period; It’s the only aster I like of all I’ve grown; Stems grew together too much and were prostrate. Tangled mess; This one is a winner; Didn’t cut this year. It really didn’t make good stems this year (growth habit looks scary).
Year 2:
I have seen other cultivars with similar colors; I really didn't get anything cuttable of this stuff; Excellent late season filler, productive, pest free and nice color.