^HE ASTER, along with the golclenrod, forms the chief motif in the color scheme of our 
glorious American autumn. As to which of these should become our national flower, it 
is hard to choose. 
The many species, widely distinct from each other in habit and form, are, with few 
exceptions, all native of North America. It is in Europe, however, that our Asters 
have been most highly appreciated. Many improvements have been made by European 
growers, and many hybrid forms have been produced by crossing the different species. 
The principal species in cultivation are: 
Amellus, natives of Europe and Asia, blooming in August and September, distinguished by their soft, 
velvety foliage, medium dwarf habit, and very large flowers produced singly or in clusters, in shades of blue, 
purple and rose. 
Cordifolius has a dense tuft of large, heart-shaped, smooth leaves, from which arise long, graceful, 
many-branched sprays densely smothered with small flowers in shades of white, rose, blue, and lavender, 
mostly blooming in September. 
Ericoides has bright green, fine, heath-like foliage, with masses of small flowers in white, pale rose, and 
lavender. 
Novae-Angliae is a tall New England Aster, with rough foliage, growing to a height of 4 to 5 feet, 
densely covered with masses of large rose, blue, or purple flowers. 
Novi-Belgii, from which has been produced the largest number of varieties, has smooth, dark green 
foliage, with slender, much-branched stems, smothered with large flowers in shades of white, rose-pink, 
blue, and violet, blooming through September and October. 
The Amellus, Cordifolius and the dwarfer Novi-Belgii varieties deserve a prominent place in every 
hardy border, while the taller varieties may be used as a background; but it is in the open, planted in mass, 
that they are most useful. Naturalized along drives, shrubbery borders, woodland and meadows, most 
beautiful color effects may be obtained by their use, combined with rudbeckias, hardy sunflowers, etc. 
Culture. — All are of the easiest cultivation, succeeding in almost any soil or situation. Amellus, 
Ericoides, and Novai-Angliae do best in open, sunny, dry situations; while Cordifolius and Novi-Belgii may 
be grown in partial shade in most situations. 
For the best results, they require division and replanting every third year. 
With few exceptions, these are all single-flowered and must not be confused with the florists* annual, 
large-flowered, double China Aster. 
Prices of all Asters, except where otherwise noted, 25 cts. each, $2.50 per doz. 
Aster Amellus 
BEAUTE PARFAITE. Very large flowers; fine 
dark violet, with yellow center. Plants grow very 
erect. 2 feet. August. 35 cts. 
BEAUTY OF RONSDORF. Very large; helio¬ 
trope. 35 cts. 
PERRY’S FAVORITE. A beautiful variety with 
large red flowers. 40 cts. 
PREZIOSA. With very fine flowers of a deep 
dark violet color. 35 cts. 
RUDOLF V. GOETHE. New. The largest flowers 
of its class, 2to 3 inches in diameter; beautiful 
lavender-blue. 35 cts. 
SCHONE VON RONSDORF. A distinct nov¬ 
elty; large flowers 2 Yi inches across, lilac-pink; in¬ 
valuable for cutting. 18 inches. 35 cts. 
Aster cordifolius 
ELEGANS. Long, graceful sprays of soft laven¬ 
der flowers. 4 feet. September. 
MAGN1FICUS. Dense sprays of large lavender 
flowers; extra. 4 feet. 
Aster ericoides 
DELIGHT. White flowers. 
FEENKIND. Densely covered with small, soft 
lilac flowers. 3 feet. September. 35 cts. 
GRACILLIMUS. Slender, wiry stems, smoth¬ 
ered with white flowers, which change to a delicate 
rose-pink, producing a charming effect; very long, 
continuous bloomer; distinct. 4 feet. October. 35 cts. 
MULTIFLORUS. Graceful spray, densely 
smothered with minute white flowers. 
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