Confused Michaelmas daisy Aster novi-belgii 'Marie Ballard' 5-10 pot P9

Size: Potmaat leidend

5-10cm

|

Pot 9x9 cm (P9)

|

Available from: 03/02/2025

Number of m2

Nr. of plants

3.35

3.35 per piece

incl. VAT, excl. shipping costs (calculated in shopping cart)

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Nr. of plants

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2+ £3.70

6+ -2.7% £3.60

12+ -5.4% £3.50

24+ -8.1% £3.40

96+ -9.5% £3.35

Benefits according to our specialist

Plantable year-round
Low maintenance
Easy plant

Plant features
Description
Planting and care
Packaging and shipping

Genus
Aster (view all varieties)

Root type
Pot

Pot size
9x9 cm (P9)

Flowering months
September, October

Leaf colour
Blue, Purple

Possibilities
Border, Group planting

Soil type
All soil types, well-drained

Positioning
Semi-shade, Sun

Winter hardiness
-20,6°C / -15,0°C , USDA zone 6b/7a

Fruit-bearing plants
No

Water needs
Average water

Number of plants per m²
6

Evergreen plants
No

Leaf colour
Green

Fragrant plants
No

Growth habit
Upright to bushy growth habit

Height at time of delivery excluding pot/clod
5-10

Mature height (cm)
90

Art. no.
1000104

Description

Aster novi-belgii 'Marie Ballard' | Confused Michaelmas daisy

The Aster novi-belgii 'Marie Ballard' is a delightful perennial known for its enchanting late-season blooms. Often referred to as the confused Michaelmas daisy, this variety captivates with its lush blue and purple flowers that add a splash of color to autumn gardens. As the days shorten and the temperatures fall, 'Marie Ballard' stands out with its radiant blossoms, extending the beauty of your garden into the fall season.

Key Features

The Aster novi-belgii 'Marie Ballard' has a bushy and upright growth habit, making it an excellent choice for borders and group plantings where its full form can be appreciated.
Its blooms are particularly striking in September and October when many other plants have finished flowering.
The flower color remains vibrant blue throughout the summer and autumn, providing continuity and depth to the garden palette.
This plant reaches an ultimate height of around 90 cm, allowing it to blend seamlessly with other mid-height perennials.
Although deciduous, its foliage remains a fresh green from spring through autumn, serving as a perfect backdrop for the vivid blooms.

Tips

To ensure the health and vigor of your Aster novi-belgii 'Marie Ballard', consider dividing the plant every few years. This process rejuvenates the plant and encourages more abundant flowering.
Plant in a location that receives full sun to partial shade and has well-drained soil to foster the best growth and flowering performance.
Maintain average watering to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, as 'Marie Ballard' does not tolerate drought conditions well.
Remember that while 'Marie Ballard' is relatively low-maintenance, it does benefit from deadheading to promote further blooming and prevent self-seeding.

Ideal placement of a Aster novi-belgii 'Marie Ballard'

For optimal growth, the chosen site should provide ample sunlight or partial shade, allowing for the vibrant blue hues to flourish in the blooming months. The soil must be well-drained to ensure healthy root development and to prevent waterlogging, which this species does not tolerate well. Although it can adapt to various soil types, maintaining consistent moisture is crucial, especially during dry periods, to support its average water needs. An open area that receives several hours of direct sunlight will enhance its upright to bushy growth habit and encourage a profusion of blooms in late summer and autumn.

How do I plant a Aster novi-belgii 'Marie Ballard'?

For successful cultivation, plant Aster novi-belgii 'Marie Ballard' in a location that receives full sun to partial shade. This species thrives in a variety of well-drained soils and can adapt to different soil conditions. When planting, ensure each pot-grown specimen is spaced appropriately to allow for its upright and bushy growth habit, which can reach up to 90 cm in height. Regular watering is required to maintain average moisture levels, especially during dry periods. To encourage a robust display of its striking blue flowers in autumn, consider enriching the soil with organic matter at the time of planting.

Pruning a Aster novi-belgii 'Marie Ballard'

To encourage a robust display of blue, purple blooms in late summer and autumn, it is beneficial to prune Aster novi-belgii 'Marie Ballard' in late winter or early spring, just as new growth begins to show. Cut back the previous year's growth to around 15-20 cm from the ground, which will promote a bushier growth habit and prevent the plant from becoming too leggy. Regular deadheading during the blooming period will also enhance flowering by diverting the plant's energy into producing more blooms rather than seeds.

Watering a Aster novi-belgii 'Marie Ballard'

To ensure the thriving of Aster novi-belgii 'Marie Ballard', consistent moisture is key, particularly during its blooming months of September and October. The plant prefers well-drained soil, and while it has average water needs, it is not drought-tolerant. Therefore, it is essential to establish a regular watering schedule. Water deeply to encourage a strong root system, allowing the soil to dry slightly between watering sessions. This is especially crucial when the plant is grown in a pot, as the soil in containers tends to dry out faster than in-ground. During hot spells, increased vigilance in monitoring soil moisture will be necessary.

Fertilising a Aster novi-belgii 'Marie Ballard'

For optimal growth and vibrant autumnal blooms, Aster novi-belgii 'Marie Ballard' benefits from regular fertilization. As with many perennials, applying a balanced fertilizer in the spring, as new growth appears, sets the foundation for a healthy plant. A second application during midsummer can help sustain the plant's energy as it prepares for its stunning floral display in the fall. When fertilizing, spread the product evenly around the plant's base, taking care to avoid direct contact with the foliage and stems to prevent burn. Watering after application helps to distribute the nutrients into the soil, where the roots can absorb them effectively. With well-drained soil and consistent fertilization, this species will reward with an upright, bushy growth habit and a profusion of blue, daisy-like flowers.

The characteristics of a Aster novi-belgii 'Marie Ballard'

The Aster novi-belgii 'Marie Ballard' has a remarkable ability to thrive in a wide range of soil types, provided they are well-draining. Its lush, double lavender blooms become a focal point in autumnal gardens, offering a late-season nectar source for pollinators. Deadheading spent flowers will promote further blooming and maintain the aesthetic appeal of the plant. This species is an excellent choice for borders or as part of a cutting garden, providing fresh blooms for indoor arrangements.

Separating/dividing a Aster novi-belgii 'Marie Ballard'

To ensure the continued vigor and health of Aster novi-belgii 'Marie Ballard', division should be performed every two to three years. Gently lift the plant from the soil, taking care to keep the root ball intact. Once removed, divide the clump into smaller sections, discarding any woody or non-vigorous parts. Replant the divisions promptly, spacing them adequately to accommodate future growth. This process, best carried out in the cooler temperatures of spring or autumn, stimulates robust flowering and maintains the plant's upright to bushy growth habit.

What will be the height of Aster novi-belgii 'Marie Ballard'?

Aster novi-belgii 'Marie Ballard' typically grows to a height ranging from 50 centimeters to 1 meter when fully mature.

What will be the width of Aster novi-belgii 'Marie Ballard'?

Aster novi-belgii 'Marie Ballard' will reach a maximum spread of 10 to 50 centimeters when fully mature.

Which soil type is most suitable for the Aster novi-belgii 'Marie Ballard'?

Aster novi-belgii 'Marie Ballard' is adaptable to various soil types, but it thrives best in well-drained soil. This type of soil ensures that the plant's root system is not waterlogged, promoting healthy growth and blooming.

What is the ideal positioning for the Aster novi-belgii 'Marie Ballard'?

The ideal location for Aster novi-belgii 'Marie Ballard' is a place where it can receive ample sunlight as well as partial shade. This plant thrives in environments where it can benefit from both direct sunlight and some shading, making it adaptable to various light conditions.

What is the flowering colour of the Aster novi-belgii 'Marie Ballard'?

The blossoms of Aster novi-belgii 'Marie Ballard' display a lovely blend of blue and purple, creating a captivating and vibrant floral display.

Is the Aster novi-belgii 'Marie Ballard' hardy?

Aster novi-belgii 'Marie Ballard' is indeed considered winter hardy. It can tolerate temperatures ranging from -20.6°C to -15.0°C, placing it within the USDA hardiness zones 6b to 7a. This indicates that the plant is well-equipped to withstand winter conditions within these specified temperature ranges.

Is the Aster novi-belgii 'Marie Ballard' evergreen?

Aster novi-belgii 'Marie Ballard' is not an evergreen plant. It is a deciduous plant, shedding its leaves during the autumn season and regrowing them in the spring.

What is the growth strength of the Aster novi-belgii 'Marie Ballard'?

Aster novi-belgii 'Marie Ballard' typically takes 2 to 5 years to reach its ultimate height, signifying a moderate growth rate over a relatively short period.

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