Aster (Aster × frikartii 'Wunder von Stafa')
Aster × frikartii 'Wunder von Stafa' offers long-lasting lavender-blue blooms from July to September. This sturdy Aster perennial thrives in full sun.
Complete Plant Information
Overview
Aster × frikartii ‘Wunder von Stafa’, a highly valued herbaceous perennial, provides a reliable display of color late in the growing season. This cultivar is celebrated for its profuse blooming, featuring 2-3 inch daisy-like flowers with striking lavender-blue rays and bright yellow centers. As a hybrid aster, it combines desirable traits, making Aster × frikartii ‘Wunder von Stafa’ an excellent choice for extending the garden’s interest beyond midsummer.
This Frikart’s aster maintains a relatively compact and bushy habit, typically reaching 2 to 3 feet tall. It performs best when situated where it receives plenty of sunlight, though it tolerates partial shade gracefully. Gardeners prize this variety not just for its long bloom period from July straight through early fall, but also for its generally disease-free, dark green foliage.
Planting Aster × frikartii ‘Wunder von Stafa’ ensures you have material available for floral arrangements, as these blooms are excellent for cutting. While generally robust, gardeners should ensure excellent drainage, especially heading into winter, to protect the crowns of this popular Aster through its dormant period.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Asteraceae
- Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 5-8
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 2-3 ft
- Spread: 2-3 ft
- Bloom Time: July to September
- Bloom Description: Lavender blue
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Water Needs: Medium
- Maintenance Level: Medium
How to Grow
Plant Aster × frikartii ‘Wunder von Stafa’ in the spring after the danger of frost has passed, or in early fall. This perennial requires average, well-drained soil; the most critical cultural factor is avoiding wet soils, particularly in winter, which can quickly lead to crown rot. While it prefers full sun for the densest flowering, it will tolerate partial shade, perhaps leading to slightly floppier stems.
Water needs are medium, meaning that while established plants are somewhat resilient, consistent moisture during dry spells will promote the best bloom performance. Fertilizing is rarely necessary if planted in reasonably healthy garden soil, as excessive nutrition can promote leaf growth over flowers. Maintenance is generally straightforward, focusing primarily on shaping and cleanup.
For a bushier plant that stays shorter, pinch back the growing tips of the stems in late spring. Be aware that this pinching technique will slightly delay the onset of the bloom time. In regions approaching the cooler end of its range (Zone 5), supplemental winter protection is wise; ensure you leave the spent flowering stems standing to protect the crown over winter, and apply a light winter mulch. Cut all stems back to the ground in early spring just as new growth begins to emerge.
Landscape Uses
Aster × frikartii ‘Wunder von Stafa’ is an outstanding structural plant for defining the rear or middle sections of perennial borders. Its vertical presence (2-3 feet) and late-season color make it essential for maintaining visual interest when many summer bloomers fade. It pairs beautifully with fall-blooming grasses or other late perennials like Sedum ‘Autumn Joy’ or ornamental sages.
Its excellent flower production also makes it suitable for foundation plantings where a burst of continuous color is desired near structures. The plant maintains a loose, bushy habit that integrates well without becoming overly aggressive or leggy throughout the season. Use groupings of Aster × frikartii ‘Wunder von Stafa’ to create blocks of lavender-blue impact across the landscape.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
- Good Cut
Noteworthy Characteristics
Aster × frikartii, commonly called Frikart’s aster, is a hybrid of A. Amellus × A. Thomsonii from the Swiss hybridizer Frikart. The genus name Aster derives from the Latin word for star, reflecting the flower shape. ‘Wunder von Stafa’ produces profuse 2-3 inch daisy-like flowers with lavender-blue rays and bright yellow centers on plants typically reaching 2-3 feet tall.
Tolerances
- Good resistance to powdery mildew
Potential Problems
This Aster generally exhibits good horticultural vigor, showing no serious common insect or disease issues under ideal growing conditions. The primary threat to Aster × frikartii ‘Wunder von Stafa’ is cultural: crown rot becomes a fatal issue when soils remain wet, especially during winter dormancy periods. Gardeners must prioritize perfect drainage to ensure longevity. Although it resists powdery mildew well, monitoring for fungal issues is always prudent in humid summer conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Aster × frikartii ‘Wunder von Stafa’ suitable for?
This herbaceous perennial is reliably hardy in USDA Zones 5 through 8. Gardeners in Zone 5 should take extra care regarding winter site selection and protection.
How large does Aster × frikartii ‘Wunder von Stafa’ grow?
When mature, you can expect this cultivar to reach a height between 2 and 3 feet, with a similar spread of 2 to 3 feet, exhibiting a compact, bushy habit.
When does Aster × frikartii ‘Wunder von Stafa’ bloom?
The spectacular show for this Aster generally lasts from July straight through September, with flowers described as a vibrant lavender blue.
What sun exposure does Aster × frikartii ‘Wunder von Stafa’ need?
For the best performance and strongest stems, this plant requires full sun, though it will tolerate receiving part shade during the hottest part of the day.
Conclusion
Aster × frikartii ‘Wunder von Stafa’ is a gardener’s powerhouse, offering one of the most vibrant, long-lasting floral tributes available in late summer and early fall. The reliable lavender-blue color provided by this beautiful Aster hybrid ensures borders remain attractive as other plants finish their cycle. Before planting, confirm that your site offers excellent drainage, especially if you are gardening in the cooler USDA Zone 5, ensuring this perennial thrives for years to come.
Companion Planting
Selecting companions based on similar cultural needs—full sun and medium moisture–will enhance the beauty and health of your Aster plantings. Look for companions with contrasting textures or colors that can fill in the space before the Aster begins its powerful autumn display. Consider pairing Aster × frikartii ‘Wunder von Stafa’ with late-blooming ornamental grasses, which offer fine texture and movement alongside the solid, colorful mounds of the aster flowers. White or pale yellow daisies can draw out the yellow centers of the ‘Wunder von Stafa’ blooms, creating visual unity in the border design.
Seasonal Care Calendar
Early Spring is the critical cleanup time; cut all remaining dried stems from the previous year down to the ground after all danger of hard frost has passed. Mid-Spring is the ideal moment for any necessary maintenance to control height; pinch back the top few inches of new growth on young stems to encourage bushiness, remembering this may delay flowering slightly. Summer care should focus on diligent watering during dry spells to support bud development, though overwatering must be strictly avoided. As Late Fall approaches, resist the urge to completely tidy up; leave the spent seed heads on the plant to provide shelter and aesthetic texture throughout the winter months.
