Asters are flowering plants belonging to Astracea family, which also includes daisies and sunflowers. They're often confused with daisies, and some even consider them to be weedy because of how easily they grow. They're happy, sunny blooms that add fun bursts of colour to any bouquet they're featured in. An aster posy will bring a touch of country charm and springtime cheer to your home, or the home of whomever you give it to.
But there's more to them than just their winning personality and happy hues. There's also a lot of history and meaning in the aster flower.
The aster flower has a wide range of symbolic meanings, including patience, faith, love, valour and wisdom and it can vary depending on the colour you are looking at.
Asters were originally native to parts of Europe and Asia, but today they can be found all over the world. This is partly because asters thrive in lots of different conditions, including ones other flowers find intolerable. Their ability to grow so easily that has led them to develop a bit of a weedy reputation.
What Flowers Work with Asters in a Bouquet?
Small and dainty asters work best as filler flowers in bouquets. They add a touch of delicacy and romance, not to mention lovely colour, and can really help to bring the arrangement together.
Asters work well with other flowers that have a similar sort of delicate feel, such as baby's breath.
If you're looking for a more striking aster bouquet, try pairing them with bolder blooms like sunflowers, chrysanthemums, gerberas, hyacinths or roses. The contrast between the strong colours and shapes of these flowers will really make the bouquet pop.
How to care for cut asters?
Find a low point under the lowest leaves and cut the stem diagonally to increase the area for water absorption.
Strip away any leaves under the waterline of your vase. Keep a few of the upper leaves intact to ensure that the plant doesn’t loose it’s life too quickly.
Make sure to keep the vase water fresh, and change it regularly. If the water appears murky or cloudy, this indicates the presence of bacteria. Give the vase a wash and replace the water to help prolong the life of your asters.
Snip off any wilted or dead blooms to keep the remaining stems fresh.