FFF18 - EASTER DAISIES

Easter (or Michaelmas) daisies (Aster novi-belgii) were once popular in gardens, but are less frequently seen now. They are herbaceous perennials with upright, much-branched stems on which masses of small daisies are produced in late summer and autumn. The flowers range in colour from white through pale lilac blue, mauve, purple and pink to deep reddish plum. They can be planted in mixed borders and can also be used effectively in beds on their own. The taller varieties often need staking, and are best planted at the back of garden beds.

A. novi-belgii was introduced from North America into Britain in 1710. In America they were called New York daisies, however, in England these plants bloomed at the same time as St Michael's Day is celebrated (September 29th), and so they became associated with the festival of Michaelmas and were given its name. In the Southern hemisphere where Easter is an Autumnal feast, the daisies bloom at about this time and hence the term "Easter Daisies".
These daisies are easy to grow. Plant them in full sun in a rich, moisture-retentive soil. When they die down in winter cut the dead stems back to ground level. When the new shoots appear in spring, apply a mulch of well-rotted manure or compost to which fertiliser has been added. Lift and divide the clumps every second or third year in winter.

Please join me for Floral Friday Fotos by linking your flower photos below, and please leave a comment once you have done so!

FFF18

1.	guild-rez Canada	9.	A Wondering Star	17.	Emille	25.	Squirrel Queen
2.	Geli	10.	Magical Mystical Teacher	18.	Libby	26.	RobertN
3.	Nick, Melbourne	11.	Magical Mystical Teacher #2	19.	Mildred-France	27.	ann nz
4.	Min fotoblog	12.	hannah + Schlumbergera	20.	Oil Painted Flowers	28.	Magical Mystical Teacher #3
5.	Ebie, CA	13.	Valerie, Adelaide	21.	beagleAnnie	29.	Magical Mystical Teacher #4
6.	Lindy	14.	Gemma's Greyscale	22.	Modern Mom	30.	Magical Mystical Teacher #5
7.	Andrea, Philippines	15.	Luna Miranda	23.	JM
8.	Dianne Adelaide	16.	NatureFootstep	24.	Karin M.

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