How to Grow New York Aster 'Winston S. Churchill'
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New York Aster 'Winston S. Churchill'
Symphyotrichum novi-belgii 'Winston S. Churchill'
flowerA stunning cultivar of New York Aster featuring deep crimson-red flowers with golden yellow centers that bloom prolifically in fall. This semi-double flowered variety grows to medium height and is a classic choice for autumn gardens and cut flower arrangements. It attracts pollinators and provides late-season color when many other plants are fading.
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Example New York Aster 'Winston S. Churchill' timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant New York Aster 'Winston S. Churchill'
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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First New York Aster 'Winston S. Churchill' blooms
Around Jul 16≈ 90 days after planting
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-9, with best performance in zones 4-8
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Seedling
2-3 weeksTiny seedlings with first true leaves emerge 7-14 days after germination
Keep soil moist and provide bright light. Thin seedlings to proper spacing or transplant to individual containers.
Vegetative Growth
8-12 weeksPlant develops bushy foliage with multiple stems; no flowers yet. Leaves are narrow and lance-shaped, dark green.
Pinch back growing tips in early summer to encourage bushier growth and more flower buds. Water regularly and fertilize every 3-4 weeks with balanced fertilizer.
Budding
3-4 weeksFlower buds begin to form at branch tips, appearing as small green nodules
Continue regular watering. Avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal issues. Provide staking if wind is strong. Reduce nitrogen fertilizer, increase phosphorus to support flowering.
Flowering
6-8 weeksDeep crimson-red semi-double flowers with golden centers open in succession over many weeks, typically starting in late September through November
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continued blooming. Water at soil level only. Monitor for powdery mildew and spider mites in dry conditions.
Decline & Winter
Variable, through frostFlowers fade, foliage yellows and dies back after frost. Plant becomes dormant underground.
Leave stems standing through winter to provide winter interest and wildlife habitat; cut back in early spring before new growth. Divide established plants every 2-3 years in spring.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with water to dislodge; use neem oil or insecticidal soap if severe. Increase humidity around plants.
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Improve air circulation by spacing plants well. Water at soil level only. Apply sulfur dust or fungicide if needed. Choose resistant cultivars.
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Spray with strong water stream or insecticidal soap. Encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs.
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and
Remove by hand, especially at night. Use copper tape barriers or diatomaceous earth around base of plants.
Uses
Ornamental flower arrangement
CulinaryThe striking deep crimson-red flowers with golden centers are excellent for autumn bouquets and floral arrangements, providing long-lasting color and texture. [source]
Pollinator support
WildlifeAsters are a critical late-season food source for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators as most flowers fade in fall. This cultivar blooms prolifically when pollinators need sustenance most. [source]
Garden color and landscape design
HouseholdProvides vibrant crimson fall color to perennial borders and cottage gardens, creating dramatic late-season displays when combined with ornamental grasses and sedums. [source]
Traditional herbal use
MedicinalAsters have been used in traditional herbalism and Chinese medicine for respiratory support and general wellness, though modern clinical evidence is limited. [source]
Dried flower crafts
CraftFlowers dry well and retain their color, making them suitable for pressed flowers, dried arrangements, and other craft projects. [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 the morning after dew dries but before heat of day. Cut stems at a 45-degree angle just above a leaf node. Remove lower leaves from stems before arranging. Change water every 2-3 days. Cut flowers last 1-2 weeks in a vase. For garden display, deadhead regularly to extend blooming season.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 The name 'Winston S. Churchill' honors the famous British Prime Minister, fitting for a flower with bold, commanding crimson coloring.
- 🌱 Asters are among the last flowers to bloom in temperate gardens, often flowering until the first hard freeze and providing crucial late-season nectar for migrating monarchs.
- 🌱 New York Asters get their name from their abundance as wildflowers in the eastern United States, particularly around New York, and were a favorite of Thomas Jefferson in his Virginia gardens.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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