How to Grow Aster September Charm

Aster September Charm

Symphyotrichum novi-belgii 'September Charm'

flower

September Charm is a compact cultivar of New York Aster, prized for its prolific display of semi-double, rosy-pink flowers that bloom in late summer and fall. This reliable perennial reaches 2-3 feet tall and is a beloved choice for cutting gardens and autumn borders. It serves as a vital late-season nectar source for pollinators when few other flowers are blooming.

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily; tolerates partial shade but blooms more prolifically in full sun

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Water: Moderate moisture; water regularly during growing season, keeping soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Reduce watering in fall. Good air circulation helps prevent fungal issues.

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Spacing: 18 inches

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Days to maturity: 90-120 days from transplant to bloom; typically flowers late August through October

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Planting depth: Surface sow seeds or plant transplants at soil level; do not bury crowns

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy soil

pH: 6.0-7.0

Amendments:

Compost Peat moss Perlite for drainage

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives in zones 4-8, cold hardy to zone 3

3a 3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b

Growth Stages

Seedling/Transplant

2-4 weeks

Young plants emerge with small oval leaves and develop a low rosette of foliage.

Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy. Harden off transplants gradually before planting outdoors. Pinch growing tips in early season to encourage bushiness.

Vegetative Growth

8-10 weeks

Plant develops multiple stems with narrow, lance-shaped leaves reaching 12-18 inches tall by mid-summer.

Water regularly, water at soil level to minimize leaf wetness. Pinch back stems in June-July to delay flowering and promote compact, fuller plants. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms.

Bud Formation

3-4 weeks

Flower buds begin forming at stem tips in late summer; buds appear as small round clusters gradually enlarging.

Maintain consistent moisture without overwatering. Reduce nitrogen to avoid excessive leafy growth. Ensure good air circulation to prevent powdery mildew.

Flowering

8-12 weeks (late August through October)

Semi-double rosy-pink flowers open in profusion, each flower 1-1.5 inches across with yellow centers, covering the plant.

Deadhead spent blooms regularly to prolong flowering. Cut stems for arrangements in the morning. Support plants with stakes if needed in windy locations.

Senescence/Dormancy

November onwards

Flowers fade and dry; foliage yellows and dies back with first hard frost; plant goes dormant for winter.

Allow dried seed heads to remain for winter interest and wildlife food. Cut back stems to 4-6 inches in late fall or early spring. Divide established clumps in spring every 2-3 years.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Sedum Russian Sage (Perovskia) Coneflower (Echinacea) Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia) Ornamental grasses Mums Joe-Pye Weed Salvia

Avoid planting near:

Fennel Dill

Common Pests

Ensure good air circulation, avoid overhead watering, spray with sulfur or neem oil if needed, choose resistant cultivars
Remove infected leaves, improve air circulation, avoid wetting foliage, apply fungicides if severe
Mist foliage regularly, increase humidity, spray with water or insecticidal soap, use neem oil if infestation is severe
Hand-pick early morning, use pheromone traps nearby, apply neem oil, encourage beneficial insects
Spray forcefully with water, use insecticidal soap, apply neem oil, attract ladybugs and lacewings
Remove infected plants immediately, control leafhopper vectors with insecticidal soap, plant resistant varieties

Uses

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Edible Flower Garnish

Culinary

Aster petals are edible and make attractive garnishes for salads, desserts, and beverages, adding a mild, slightly bitter flavor and festive color. [source]

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Traditional Herbal Remedy

Medicinal

Asters have been used in traditional Chinese medicine and Western herbalism to support respiratory health and reduce inflammation. [source]

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Cut Flowers & Floral Arrangements

Household

September Charm's prolific blooms and long vase life (7-10 days) make it an excellent choice for fresh cut flower arrangements, providing vibrant color in late summer and fall. [source]

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Pollinator Support

Wildlife

Asters are a critical late-season food source for bees, butterflies, and hoverflies when nectar becomes scarce in fall, supporting pollinator populations before winter. [source]

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Dried Flower Craft

Craft

The dried flower heads retain their color and form well, making them ideal for dried arrangements, wreaths, and other dried flower crafts and decorations. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

Cut stems for fresh arrangements in the morning when flowers have fully opened, cutting at least one-third of the stem length. For dried flowers, harvest when blooms are fully open and dry by hanging in bundles in a dark, well-ventilated area. Deadhead spent flowers throughout the season to encourage continuous blooming and prevent self-seeding.

Fun Facts

🌱 September Charm and other asters are treasured by florists and gardeners as 'summer's farewell' flowers, providing vibrant color when most gardens have faded.
🌱 Asters were sacred to the ancient Greeks and Romans, believed to have healing powers; the name 'aster' comes from the Greek word for 'star,' referring to the star-shaped flower clusters.
🌱 A single mature plant can produce hundreds of flowers throughout the season, making September Charm exceptionally economical and generous as a garden performer.

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