Also known as False Aster · 154 saves
Boltonia
Boltonia, the genus most gardeners know as false aster. We track 5 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 5 most-saved Boltonia varieties
Species of Boltonia
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Boltonia in Sow
Save the Boltonia you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Boltonia
Whats common across all Boltonia varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 5 most-grown of them.
The Boltonia year
- DivideMarch, April and September80% of varieties
Divide clumps every 3-4 years to maintain plant vigor
- Pinch TipsApril and May60% of varieties
Pinch back stems by half before mid-June to encourage bushier growth
- Spring CleanupFebruary60% of varieties
Cut old, dead stems back to the ground before new growth emerges
- StakeJune and July60% of varieties
Provide support in early summer before it gets too tall.
Do
- Divide every few years to maintain vigor
- Water regularly during dry periods 🌱
- Prune after flowering to maintain shape
- Divide every few years to rejuvenate
- Water deeply during dry spells 🌱
Avoid
- Overwater, especially in winter ❌
- Allow soil to become waterlogged
- Neglect pruning can lead to legginess
- Avoid overwatering in winter ❌
What goes wrong with Boltonia
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Sticky residue and distorted leaves | Use insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| Generally pest-free | No significant insect damage is typical | Monitor only; no routine treatment needed |
| Powdery mildew | White powder on leaves | Improve air circulation and apply fungicide |
| Generally disease-free | Notably more mildew-resistant than the asters it resembles | Provide reasonable air circulation |
Making more Boltonia
Division
- Dig up mature clump in early spring.
- Separate into smaller sections with roots intact.
- Plant immediately at same depth.
- Water thoroughly after planting.
Seeds
- Tuck seeds into moist soil in early spring.
- Keep soil consistently moist during germination, which takes 2-3 weeks.
Boltonia questions
How many types of Boltonia are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 5 distinct Boltonia varieties. The most popular — ranked by 154 real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Boltonia grow in?
Across its varieties, Boltonia covers USDA Zones 4–10. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Boltonia bloom?
Most Boltonia varieties bloom in late summer, late summer to fall. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Boltonia should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.