Product Details
The old German variety, Symphyotrichum novae-angliae 'Alma Potschke' still ranks among the finest Asters ever. It is 3-4ft tall and blooms without interruption for 4-6 weeks, beginning in early September. The color is a warm pink that manages to be vivid without being hot and doesn't harbor a trace of violet. A remarkable shade and a first-class garden plant. Pair with the shorter Aster 'Purple Dome' and Miscanthus 'Silver Feather' for a stunning fall show.
'Alma' made a lifelong convert of a customer new to gardening, who reports that she loved the flower color but was puzzled one morning to see that it appeared orange -- it was literally covered with Monarch butterflies pausing briefly during their fall migration. Although we can't promise results quite that spectacular, you may expect many visits from butterflies while 'Alma Potschke' is in bloom.
We count Asters among the great garden plants, because many of them hold off blooming until late summer and fall, when most garden plants are spent. Plants grow and flower best in full sun and evenly moist soil; they do not like drought.
For information on growing and care, click Growing Guide.
Shipping
HOW PLANTS ARE SHIPPED
The size of the plants we ship has been selected to reduce the shock of transplanting. For some, this means a large, bareroot crown. Others cannot travel bareroot or transplant best if grown in containers. We ship these perennials and annuals in 1 pint pots, except as noted. We must point out that many perennials will not bloom the first year after planting, but will the following year, amply rewarding your patience. We ship bulbs as dormant, bare bulbs, sometimes with some wood shavings or moss. Shrubs, Roses, vines, and other woody plants may be shipped bareroot or in pots. The size of the pot is noted in the quick facts for each item.
WHEN WE SHIP
We ship our bulbs and plants at the right time for planting in your area, except as noted, with orders dispatched on a first-come, first-served basis by climate zone. We also ship a wide range of containers and planters, tools, supplies, fertilizers, garden wear, garden decor items, as well as indoor decorations like wreaths and dried bouquets when available. Estimated dates for shipping are indicated in the green Shipping Details box for each item. Please supply a street address for delivery. Kindly contact us with two weeks notice, if you'll be away at the expected time of delivery.
OUR GUARANTEE
We guarantee to ship plants that are in prime condition for growing. If your order is damaged or fails to meet your expectations, we will cheerfully replace or refund it. Please contact our Customer Service Department at 1-800-503-9624 or email us at [email protected]. Please include your order number or customer number when contacting us.
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Growing guide
Until recently plants now classified as Symphyotrichum and Eurybia were classified with Asters. However, even though the horticultural classification has changed for some of the plants we offer, they all share the same growing instructions.
Grow in full sun (or partial shade in the South) in moist but well-drained soil (A. amellus tolerates drought). S. novae-angliae varieties are susceptible to powdery mildew in dry soil. They also require division every year or two to remain vigorous. S. novae-angliae varieties may require staking; if you prefer, you can pinch them back once or twice (by 1/3–1/2) before the end of June (July in the South and the Southwest) to keep them compact. In the South, A. X frikartii 'Monch' may stop blooming by midsummer; shear it back by half, and it will bloom again through the better part of fall.
