Indian Aster

Aster indicus

Native to:
China, Hainan, India, Japan, Jawa, Korea, Laos, Myanmar, Nansei-shoto, Nepal, Ogasawara-shoto, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam
Indian Aster

iNaturalist: © hsiaohwa (iNaturalist #76085684)

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Asteraceae
Genus:
Aster
Species:
Aster indicus
USDA Symbol:
KAIN5

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Forb/herb
Height:
100 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
Medium
Bloom Months:
jul,aug,sep,oct,nov
Bloom Colors:
purple, pink, white

Wildlife Benefits

Bees:
★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
Butterflies & Moths:
★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
bees, butterflies, beneficial insects
Deer Resistant:
Yes

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
rich, well-drained loamy soil
pH:
5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
consistently moist
Notes:
prefers organic matter-rich environments

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
Germination Time:
14–30 days
Notes:
Seeds require light for germination. Surface sow or barely cover with soil.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI

ORGHPS Germination Guide: Prechill if seed is not fresh; germination can be uneven

Source: Ontario Rock Garden & Hardy Plant Society