perennial

Wartburg Star Aster

Aster tongolensis 'Wartburgstern'

The Story

Plant Bio

Aster tongolensis is a low-growing, clump-forming herbaceous perennial native to the alpine and mountain regions of Central Asia and western China. The species forms a dense, mat-like mound of deep green, lance-shaped leaves covered in a soft, hairy texture.

'Wartburgstern' is distinguished by its exceptionally large, daisy-like flower heads that span up to two and a half inches across. These composite flowers feature vivid lavender-blue ray florets surrounding a prominent, contrasting orange-yellow center disc.

Uses & Benefits:

Produces large, vibrant lavender-blue flowers with contrasting orange centers that stand out in borders and rock gardens.

Highly resistant to deer and rabbit browsing, making it a reliable choice for open or rural garden spaces.

Provides a valuable nectar source for native bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insect pollinators during the summer.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

24"

Width

16"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Medium

Humidity

Medium

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Central Asia, China

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Late spring – Late summer

In flower about 4 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun to partial shade with excellent drainage.
Amend heavy soils with compost or coarse sand to prevent waterlogging around the root zone.
Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and set the plant so the crown sits level with the soil surface.
Water thoroughly at the base to settle the soil, and maintain even moisture until the root system is established.

Pro Tip

Avoid planting in heavy, unamended clay soils where water pools; wet winter conditions rot the dormant crown. When cleaning up the garden in early spring, cut back the dead foliage cleanly to ground level before new shoots emerge, ensuring you do not nick the fragile crown.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide at least five to six hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal flowering.
Water at the base of the plant to keep foliage dry and reduce the risk of powdery mildew.
Divide mature clumps every three to four years in early spring to maintain vigor.

Don't

Do not plant in boggy or poorly drained areas where water stands after rain.
Do not cut back the dormant crown late in winter when it is invisible and easily damaged.
Do not over-fertilize, as excess nitrogen leads to weak, floppy stems and fewer flowers.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Divide
Fertilize
Pest Check
Spring Cleanup

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Border EdgingRock GardensCottage GardensMass PlantingsCutting Gardens

Companion Plants

Achillea millefolium Salvia nemorosa Coreopsis verticillata Nepeta faassenii

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Wartburg Star Aster questions

What zones can Wartburg Star Aster grow in?

Wartburg Star Aster is hardy in USDA Zones 4–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Wartburg Star Aster deer resistant?

Yes — Wartburg Star Aster is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Wartburg Star Aster bloom?

Wartburg Star Aster typically blooms in late spring through late summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Wartburg Star Aster need full sun?

Wartburg Star Aster does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Wartburg Star Aster drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Wartburg Star Aster handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.