Aster Aqua Saphire
**Description:**
The Aster Aqua Saphire "Aqua Saphire" (amellus) is a perennial plant known for its vibrant, daisy-like flowers. The blooms are a stunning sapphire blue color, with a bright yellow center that attracts butterflies and other pollinators. The plant typically grows to a height of 50 to 60 cm, with a spread of 30 to 40 cm. The foliage is dark green, and the plant has a bushy, clumping growth habit. One of the most notable characteristics of the Aster Aqua Saphire is its late blooming period, which extends from late summer into the fall, providing a splash of color when many other plants have finished flowering.
**Care Instructions:**
• Sunlight: The Aster Aqua Saphire prefers full sun to partial shade. It needs at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight each day to thrive.
• Soil: This plant thrives in well-drained soil. It can tolerate a range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils, as long as they are well-drained. It prefers a neutral to slightly alkaline pH.
• Watering: Water the Aster Aqua Saphire regularly, keeping the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. During hot, dry periods, it may need additional watering.
• Temperature: The Aster Aqua Saphire is hardy and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. However, it thrives best in temperatures between 60°F and 75°F.
**Usage:**
The Aster Aqua Saphire is a versatile plant that can be used in a variety of settings. Its vibrant flowers make it a great choice for borders, rock gardens, or cottage gardens. It can also be grown in containers, making it suitable for patios or balconies. Additionally, its late blooming period makes it a valuable addition to any garden, providing color and interest when many other plants have finished flowering.
**Tips:**
To ensure successful growth, it's important to give the Aster Aqua Saphire plenty of space to grow, as overcrowding can lead to disease. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage further blooming. In the spring, cut back the plant to ground level to promote new growth. Finally, although the Aster Aqua Saphire is relatively drought-tolerant once established, it will benefit from regular watering, particularly during dry spells.
