Aster frikartii Monch / Michaelmas Daisy

Aster frikartii Monch is a stunning perennial that produces masses of daisy-like flowers in a beautiful shade of lavender-blue. This cultivar is a hybrid of two Aster species, Aster amellus and Aster thomsonii, and was first bred in Switzerland in 1918 by Carl Ludwig Frikart. It is a popular choice for gardeners and landscapers alike due to its long flowering season and attractive foliage.

Product Characteristics:
• Height: 60-90 cm (24-36 inches)
• Spread: 60-75 cm (24-30 inches)
• Flower color: Lavender-blue
• Flowering period: Summer to fall (July to October)
• Foliage: Grey-green, lance-shaped leaves
• Sunlight requirements: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil requirements: Well-drained soil with medium moisture
• Hardiness Zone: 5

Uses:
Aster frikartii Monch is an excellent choice for mixed borders, rock gardens, and cottage gardens. It works well in mass plantings or as a specimen plant. Its long flowering season also makes it a great addition to cut flower arrangements.

Benefits:
This perennial has many benefits, including its long flowering period, attractive foliage, and easy care requirements. It is also deer resistant, making it a great choice for gardens where deer are a problem.

Companion Plants:

• Geranium 'Rozanne' - This hardy geranium has blue-purple flowers that bloom from early summer through fall, making it a good complement to the Aster's long blooming period.
• Salvia x sylvestris 'May Night' - This perennial has similar blue-purple flowers that bloom in early summer, and its upright form provides a nice contrast to the Aster's spreading habit.
• Hemerocallis 'Stella de Oro' - The yellow-gold blooms of this daylily provide a nice contrast to the Aster's lavender-blue flowers, and both plants have a long flowering period.

Care Instructions:
Aster frikartii Monch is an easy-to-care-for perennial. It prefers well-drained soil with medium moisture and should be watered regularly during periods of drought. Deadheading spent blooms will encourage the plant to produce more flowers. In colder regions, the plant should be cut back to the ground in the fall to promote healthy growth in the spring.

Final Thoughts:
Aster frikartii Monch is a beautiful and versatile perennial that adds color and interest to any garden. With its long flowering season, attractive foliage, and easy care requirements, it is a must-have for any gardener looking to add some low-maintenance beauty to their landscape.