Aster Tongolensis Berggarten
Aster Tongolensis Berggarten, the name of this very fine garden plant doesn’t exactly roll of the tongue.
However, of all the perennials planted in our new garden this past twelve months or so, this one has to be the most eye catching.
*** in our garden ***
Three healthy looking specimens showing flower buds were planted in a group of three, in an East facing border of the back garden in April.
They quickly established themselves and by mid May, stunning flowers were being produced.
The blooms were profuse and the plants were in flower for a good six weeks.
We have been going out of our way to get perennials with a longer flowering period than this, mind you I am well pleased that we didnt miss out on this one.
By the time this Aster had gone over it wasn’t too long until the later perennials started to hide the foliage of this plant. Didn’t seem to do any harm in fact here we are in January and the foliage of the Aster hasn’t died back as yet.
*** plant description ***
The Lilac blue flowers of the Aster Tongolensis Berggarton have a vivid orange centre. Under certain light conditions the blooms appear to be a pale lilac shade, and at other times they are a vivid pale blue.
The difference can be seen in my pictures and I swear, this has nothing to do with the photo editing.
Its not a tall plant, grows to, perhaps a little over 18in/45cm., hopefully, the spreading habit can be kept under control although it wouldn’t make for any serious hardship.
The plant is described as being extremely hardy, although boggy ground should be avoided.
Sad to say, our soil in Winter is extremely boggy, so we will see what happens in the next few months, I will be sure to add a footnote, good or bad.
Hardiness *** fully hardy
Position *** full sun/part shade
Soil *** average free draining soil on the alkaline side
Propagation *** this plant with a slightly creeping habit is best divided in Spring
Height *** 18in/45cm perhaps a little taller
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*** the garden in January ***
To be quite honest there’s not a helluva lot going on in the garden at the moment. Never mind, actually a bit of warmth in the sunshine this morning.
Snow drops and Daffodils beginning to emerge.
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Primrose and Viola in tubs at the front of the house
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This year I am looking forward to adding a little more interest to our woodland area. Its quite wild and wonderful, I will probably just add some bulbs and woodland plants whilst keeping it bird friendly.
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An evergreen fern looking rather good and the Miscanthus still adding Winter interest.
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The black Bamboo Phyllostachys Nigra is developing nicely since planted last Spring.
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After flowering, the Pulmonaria continues to develop new leaves and holds on to them for most of the Winter. Back in Aberdeen this plant lost its leaves completely a month or so after flowering.
The Fennel is already making new growth.
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Another Viola and primrose which will be happier come Spring.
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The garden birds enjoying the sunflower hearts.
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The evening before taking down the outdoor Christmas lights I took a few pictures of them, probably to the amusement of neighbours, maybe not, this place is like sleepy hollow.
Most of the pictures were normal, not sure what happened to this eerie looking one which I actually like the best. (is there anybody there)
If you happen to leave a comment I will be sure to visit your site and do the same
© 2015, Alistair. All rights reserved.
That is a beautiful aster. Its petals seem exceptionally long and full. Also a lovely color. So glad you have a woodland now to release your talents on. can’t wait to see the results.
Cant wait to get started Carolyn.
Wow, a woodland to spread your wings, there are so many wonderful plants you can grow where you live now. My woodland corner is getting bigger and bigger, soon I have to rename it ‘Woodland-bottom-half-of-the-garden’.
I like your aster, I got a new one last autumn, after it was finished flowering – Aster ‘Newstars Fantasy’ compact grower and mildew resistant – still remains to see how it performs. Great to see your spring bulbs arriving, only 7 weeks till we officially have spring!!
The woodland changes are unlikely to be very dramatic, its great even to have access to clear out the encroaching weeds. Nothing compares with the promise of Spring to come.
Lovely aster – I have added it to my wanted list. How lovely to have access to woodland behind your garden – it will be great to get some bulbs naturalising there.
Oh dear, you didn’t fall over while you were taking that last photo did you?
It is a great looking Aster Annette. Didn’t fall and it doesn’t have the look of a shaky hand either, perhaps it was the result of a raindrop on the lens.
I so hope you have the same luck with planting as your last garden. It looks like you are off to a grand start. The boggy conditions might be an opportunity just waiting your “green thumb” touch.
Enjoying the challenge Donna, mind you come Summer the boggy ground needs constant watering.
What a nice aster! A pretty color, and I like how big the blooms are. That’s so great to have a woodland area. I’m sure the birds and other wildlife will enjoy it and be drawn to your garden!
The birds are abundant Indie, so are the Squirrels, you have to watch those little buggers, although they are cute to watch.
Happy New Year Alistair! I made note of Aster Tongolensis Berggarton. I wonder if I will be able to find it at a local nursery here. I love the color and the long bloom time you speak of is a great bonus. Good luck with the woodland area. I am sure you will turn it into something special. It is -12 degrees here, so for us spring is a long way off.
P.S. Very spooky holiday picture at the end there!
Hi Jennifer all visitors to the garden in early Summer wanted to know the name of this plant, its not one with a really long flowering period, about six weeks or so.
What a beautiful aster! There are two things about it that I really like: 1. It does not grow so tall as to become floppy. 2. The flowers seem much larger than the common aster with which I am familiar. Oh, there is also #3. The color is fabulous!
I love your eerie light photo. Wishing you the best and happy gardening in 2105! It may look like nothing much is happening in your garden, but underneath the soil all those fabulous plants are getting ready for their spring extravaganza. Just wait!
Thanks Deb, the flowers are much larger than most of the Autumn flowering Asters.
A lovely Aster! I like Asters that can stand up for themselves and this one looks like it’d do the job very well. Well done on getting access to the woodland – my money is on you ending up doing more than planting a few bulbs!
Hi Sarah, I lean towards underestimation, but you never know.
Love this aster, Alistair. I have no luck with asters here and have given up, so now I have aster envy. Woodland gardens are very special — Glad you have one. I do the minimal amount of work in mine and get lots of compliments. Happy 2015! P. x
Cant wait to get stuck in this Spring Pam.
Six weeks of blooming – it’s very impressive! Put it on my list! Thank you Alistair!
What a lovely looking plant Alistair, no wonder you are happy to have added it. I really like the way your garden is evolving, and what a lovely opportunity that woodland area is. Dogwoods? Camellias? And yes, lots of bulbs… Enjoy the new milder climate, it takes some getting used to, doesn’t it.
Milder is good though Janet. Just itching to get stuck in.
Never been an aster fan until a client last year gave me a clump. I managed to divide it several times & it flowered in the autumn spectacularly! And you’re right…that bluey colour is amazing.
Many of the Asters I am not so very keen on myself Jane.
Asters seem to be making a comeback and yours looks like a little beauty Alistair. I think it would have to go in a container with me to keep its feet dry but may be worth a try. Although I am only 80 meters above sea level higher than you my Pulmonarias have lost all their leaves.
Hi Rick, soon we will see how the wet winter soil has affected the Aster.
Hello Alistair, although I don’t have any, I like those kinds of asters too. I was wondering whether to introduce them into the garden, but unfortunately, I think the soil stays simply too wet and boggy through the winter for them to last long and thrive. There are many plants that I used to grow in the previous garden that would find the wet conditions in this new garden intolerable. On the flip side, there’s an opportunity to look into bog plants and plants that like their feet very wet. It’s all swings and roundabouts.
I am gambling a bit with these Asters Sunil, although there are other plants in the garden which seem to be doing well, in spite of them having a preference for free draining conditions.
Finally catching up with blog reading and look at your garden grow….so much going on and I love this aster….beautiful color. I like what you plan to do with your woodland area. I also noticed you have added ads to your blog…how did that happen?
Ads! not sure that I can explain how it happened Donna, but I do like fiddling about with new ideas.