How to Grow Lady in Blue New York Aster 'Professor Anton Kippenberg'
Wikimedia Commons
Lady in Blue New York Aster 'Professor Anton Kippenberg'
Symphyotrichum novi-belgii 'Professor Anton Kippenberg'
flowerA compact, dwarf cultivar of New York Aster producing abundant small, double lavender-blue flowers in fall. This variety reaches only 12-15 inches tall, making it ideal for borders, containers, and cut flowers. It's a reliable perennial that provides late-season color when many other garden plants are fading.
When should you plant Lady in Blue New York Aster 'Professor Anton Kippenberg' in your zone?
Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.
Example Lady in Blue New York Aster 'Professor Anton Kippenberg' timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
-
Plant Lady in Blue New York Aster 'Professor Anton Kippenberg'
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
-
Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
-
First Lady in Blue New York Aster 'Professor Anton Kippenberg' blooms
Around Jun 16≈ 60 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Lady in Blue New York Aster 'Professor Anton Kippenberg' dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 4-8, with good performance in zones 3-9
Sign up free to see if Lady in Blue New York Aster 'Professor Anton Kippenberg' grows in your zone — and get a personalized planting timeline.
Get my Lady in Blue New York Aster 'Professor Anton Kippenberg' timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
2-3 weeksTiny green cotyledons emerge, developing first true leaves within 1-2 weeks. Plants are very small and delicate.
Keep soil evenly moist but not soggy. Provide bright indirect light. Thin seedlings to proper spacing once first true leaves appear.
Vegetative Growth
6-8 weeksPlant develops bushy foliage with multiple stems. Leaves are narrow and linear, plant fills out horizontally rather than vertically.
Water regularly at soil level. Pinch stem tips in early summer to encourage branching and bushier habit. Fertilize every 2-3 weeks with balanced fertilizer.
Bud Formation
2-3 weeksSmall leaf buds appear at stem tips in late summer. Plant begins to slow vegetative growth in response to shorter day length.
Continue regular watering and fertilizing. Reduce nitrogen to encourage flowering. Thin overcrowded stems for better air circulation.
Flowering
6-10 weeks (September through November)Abundant double lavender-blue flowers bloom in small clusters. Flowers are 0.5-0.75 inches across, creating a dense flowering display.
Deadhead spent flowers to extend blooming. Maintain consistent moisture. Provide air circulation to prevent mildew. Avoid overhead watering.
Dormancy
4-5 months (December-April)After hard frost, foliage dies back. Plant enters winter dormancy with roots surviving underground.
Cut back dead stems to 2-3 inches in late fall or early spring. Apply 2-3 inches of mulch for winter protection in zones 3-4. Divide plants in early spring.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
-
Improve air circulation, water at soil level, apply sulfur dust or fungicidal spray. Resistant cultivars are available.
-
Increase humidity, spray foliage with water, use insecticidal soap or neem oil. Avoid overhead watering initially.
-
Spray with water to dislodge, use insecticidal soap, introduce ladybugs or parasitic wasps.
-
Remove affected leaves, improve air circulation, avoid wetting foliage, apply copper fungicide if severe.
-
Control leafhoppers (insect vectors), remove infected plants, no cure exists. Plant resistant varieties.
Uses
Edible Flowers
CulinaryAster petals are edible and can be used to garnish salads and desserts, providing mild, slightly bitter flavor and ornamental appeal to dishes. [source]
Cut Flowers & Floral Arrangements
CraftThe compact size and prolific flowering make 'Professor Anton Kippenberg' excellent for fresh cut flower arrangements, fall bouquets, and decorative displays that last 1-2 weeks in water. [source]
Pollinator Support
WildlifeLate-season flowers provide essential nectar and pollen for migrating monarchs, native bees, and other fall pollinators when food sources are scarce. [source]
Traditional Herbal Use
MedicinalAster species have been used in traditional medicine for respiratory support and immune function, though scientific evidence is limited. [source]
Container & Border Display
HouseholdThe dwarf, compact habit makes this cultivar perfect for containers, window boxes, and garden borders where space is limited but colorful fall interest is desired. [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 flowers in early morning after dew dries but before heat of day. Cut stems at 45-degree angle and immediately place in cool water with flower food. Flowers last 10-14 days in a vase. For continuous garden display, deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage more blooms. Peak bloom is typically mid-September through November.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Named after Professor Anton Kippenberg, a German botanist and plant breeder, this cultivar was developed in Europe and has become a classic in gardens for over 70 years.
- 🌱 New York Asters are native to eastern North America and were extensively hybridized by European gardeners in the early 20th century, resulting in many colorful cultivars like 'Professor Anton Kippenberg'.
- 🌱 The double flowers contain many more petals than single-flowered asters, creating a pompom-like appearance and longer-lasting blooms both in the garden and when cut.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
Join 30,000 gardeners planning their gardens with LizPlants.
Get your personalized Lady in Blue New York Aster 'Professor Anton Kippenberg' planting timeline
Tell us your zip code and we'll calculate exactly when to start Lady in Blue New York Aster 'Professor Anton Kippenberg' seeds, transplant seedlings, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Includes calendar reminders and printable task lists. Free to start.
Get my Lady in Blue New York Aster 'Professor Anton Kippenberg' timeline →