How do I care for Boltonia?
Answer
Boltonia, in the Asteraceae family, is commonly called thousand-flowered aster, originates from North America. These vigorous plants prefer moist, fertile, well-drained soil and full sun, but tolerate partial shade. Plants grown in dry soil may be smaller than normal. You can pinch back by half about the 1st of June to make for a more compact plant and heavier blooming. Plants grown in shade or very rich soil may need support. Once established, Boltonia is drought-tolerant.
Propagation: Divide in spring, or take tip cuttings in summer. Seeds of cultivars will not come true to type. Boltonias are beautiful in combination with yellow phygelius, solidago, and late white-flowering phlox. Try them with Sedum ‘Herbstfreude’, Eupatorium purpureum, Perovskia, Miscanthus, Aconitum, and Molinia caerulea ‘Variegata’.
For tips on a variety of gardening topics, see our Plant Information Guides.
- Courtesy of NYBG Plant Information Service
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