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Astra

Description, useful properties, application and cultivation of asters


The Botanical characteristics of the Aster Alpine

Astra belongs to the genus of herbaceous plants, the Asteraceae, or Aster. Asters are used more as ornamental plants with unique blossoms, which are expertly disguised as large flowers. Astra is a perennial plant with a well developed, branched root system. In many Botanical sources Alpine Aster is marked as polukustarnikovoe a plant size up to 50 cm.

The flower stems reach 25-30 cm in length, strictly slender, slightly fluffy. Basal and pritsvetniki the leaves are small, linear, single-vane, in contrast to the stem – the longer, oblong, rising high to the sun, slightly curved to the edge. A characteristic feature of leaves of Alpine Aster is a nice white sheer fluffiness. The leaves of Alpine Aster in winter not fall, they remain green.

Inflorescences asters take the form of single baskets in size to 6-8 cm in diameter. The petals have shades of all purple palette: lilac, blue, white, pink-purple, purple, and sometimes crimson. The receptacle or tubular flowers are mostly yellow tones. Astra blooms very early compared to other species of the family Asteraceae: at the beginning of June. It blooms bright and colorful, delighting the eye of any gardener until mid-August.

The fruits take the form of seeds with hairy Pappus. Alpine Aster seeds can be collected in August. It is widespread in the Caucasus, in the Carpathians, in the Northern Urals, in Siberia, in Eastern Europe, Asia Minor, and Western North America and in many other countries.

This plant prefers nutritive, moist soil, but in any case not waterlogged. Loves partial shade, grows well in the sun. Likes-drained soil, fertilizer, perfectly responds to lime. The most important condition for long life of the Alpine Aster is that it is required to transplant with an interval of not more than 5-6 years from one place to another. Reproduction of asters occurs by dividing the Bush, planting seeds through seedling, and also in the open ground. Important planting time – at the end of April (assuming warm weather) or in may.

There are numerous varieties of Aster, Alpine, a distinction which is mainly characterized by color: sort of "Wunder"(dark purple flowers), Alba (white flowers),"Gyute"(pink flowers), Goliath (purple flowers),"Dunkle shines"(purple flowers),"rum"(dark purple flowers),"Ruber"(red flowers), "Troyes"(light blue color),"Superbus" (the blue flowers).


Useful properties of asters

Flowers asters are widely used in folk medicine. Know a lot about the usefulness of this beautiful plant herbalists start to gather the young flowers in early flowering. Collection fit all parts: roots, stems, leaves, flowers. Dried Aster in the fresh air under the eaves, flowers separately from other parts. The roots are dug in September and are dried at a temperature of 40-50 °C in the dryer under the canopy.

In the colored petals and yellow-green korinko is a lot of useful alkaloids, saponins, flavonoids (which include those discovered derivatives of quercetin, isorhamnetin, rutin), and essential for the health of ascorbic acid.

In the underground part of the Aster contains coumarins and polyacetylenes connection.

The use of Aster

Astra is rich in its healing properties. Thanks to the contained coumarin, saponins and flavonoids, it serves as a good antipyretic and expectorant. It is also noted that infusions asters is easy to relieve itching, inflammation in dermatitis. Decoctions and infusions asters used in diseases of the gastrointestinal tract (colitis, ulcers, gastritis, heartburn), flu, colds, diseases of bone and joints, eye diseases and even tuberculosis.

In Eastern medicine Astra uses for decoctions for diseases of malaria and the problems of bleeding. For the elderly tincture asters – good tonizator. Infusions asters treat nervousness and dizziness, sometimes used as a sedative. In Tibetan and Japanese medicine suggest drinking infusions Astra, if your partner lost interest in love.

Astra is also an ornamental plant from which make wonderful bouquets. In the gardens, as a rule, plants are planted, observing the shades for a beautiful landscape. The roots of asters is very grow, so planting them should be clear of perennial plants. Asters look harmoniously next to the peonies, roses, daisies and other flowers.


Recipes asters

Recipe No. 1. Infusion asters used for chronic bronchitis. Three teaspoons of leaves or flowers asters need to add 250 ml of hotwater, to insist one hour, after a good drain. Regimen: one tablespoon four times a day.

Recipe № 2. Infusion asters used for skin dermatitis, furunculosis . and cutaneous inflammation. Two tablespoons dried herbs Aster is boiled in 500 ml of water approximately 3 minutes, then infuse. The resulting tool is used as a lotion that should be put on the inflamed areas of the skin during the day. The application occurs inside before eating 100 ml three times a day.

Recipe No. 3. A decoction Aster, used in a dry cough. Dilute three tablespoons of crushed roots of asters in 600 ml of boiling water, then allow to stew on a slow fire for about 15-20 min. is sredstvo 150 ml three times a day.


Flowers asters

Asters are among the favorite flowers for both women and men, why they are so popular. Distinguish annual varieties of asters and perennial, thanks to this feature, they have a huge diversity of varieties and species. Annual Astra is rich in variety of flowers. Valuable are perennial varieties that bloom in autumn is rich in colors and different heights of bushes.

Among the perennial asters are varieties that grow exclusively in the Alpine coaster and Azariah. Also there are varieties of perennial asters that bloom in the summer, but in floral designs they have been little used, as the yield a riot of color varieties, blooming in autumn. Asters a long time decorate home due to the property to stand in long vases.

Astra novoblogika refers to varieties of perennial asters, which perfectly decorate the borders. In height it reaches 30-150 cm, width inflorescences 2-3 cm Begins to bloom in the fall and finishes with persistent frost. Novobelitsky asters have different varieties, differing in height of the Bush and the color: "Ada Ballard"(95 cm, lavender),"the Crimson Brocade"(95 cm, red),"Marie Ballard"(90 cm, blue),"Royal the Völva"t (60 cm,purple), "Winston Churchill"(70 cm, ruby) and many others.

The new England Aster also applies to perennial varieties, differs from novobelichi greater height and splendor of the Bush. Known variety"Haringtons Pink"with pink flowers that bloom in the fall. The flower reaches 1.5 m in length.

Summer blooming varieties of asters"Italian"(purple and pink tone flowers), Astra"Micarta"(blue-violet shades of the flowers) and"Astra Thomson"(white flowers). Flowering in these varieties starts in July-August; plants low,reaching 80 cm in length, the bushes are not very sumptuous, but the flowers themselves are quite large.

Alpine Aster blooms in may-July, is characterized by small leaves, but has large flowers of lilac-purplish color and yellow center, stem height – 30 cm varieties of Alpine asters:"Gloria"(blue flower color),"Albus"(white color) and"Wargrave" (pink color). These varieties are planted mainly in rockeries, where they are very comfortable. Rarely in the gardens you can find atlantsky Astra and Astra Tibetan, with typical blue flowers and a profusion of blossoms.

To annual varieties of asters is", Callistephus Chinese". This low-growing and dwarf plants, double and simple, with a huge variety of shapes and colors. From the class of simple varieties of annual asters famous "Super Chinensis"height 60 cm, for high grades of astr is"Princess the giant"(90 cm),"Perfection"(70-85 cm). To the dwarf asters rank"Miledi Pinochet". Klassificeret annual Astra and the flower: an ostrich feather chrysanthemoides, pompon, globular, simple.

Growing asters

When growing annual Aster should observe turnover of sowing. It is impossible to grow asters in the same place where they landed last year. Annual asters can be grown by seedling method. This will require boxes and the seeds should be spread in late April – early may. In the drawer is the groove into which the seeds are sowed, after which they prosypayutsya soil layer of 0.5 cm and watered with a weak solution of potassium permanganate. Next, the seedling is covered with a film.

After a few days sprouts appear, from which you want to remove the tape. After the first leaves have to hold the pick, i.e., to transplant the plants from each other in a separate place or at a distance of 7-10 cm to Plant Aster in the soil in may and to the area where exposed to direct sunlight, but where it is not stagnant water. In soil it is recommended to make compost or humus as fertilizer. It is recommended to plant out the plants at a distance from each other, with copious irrigation.

Nonseedlings method of growing asters requires the availability of spring soil and seeds. In well-heated soil, made furrows where seeds are sowed, after which it is abundantly watered. When leaves appear, it is necessary thinning: the seedlings that will be removed, should be planted at a distance of 5-7 cm from each other.

Perennial asters are very sun-loving, so the area for distribution of data should be well lit. Soil I love these asters are loamy, rich in humus, vitamins and minerals, withneutral acidity. Impossible for the growth of the asters is the soil, where stagnant water; the soil should be with good moisture permeability. Transplant perennial asters should be every 4-5 years due to well-developed rhizomes.

To care for perennial asters should by loosening soil, removing weeds between the rows, watering as needed (especially in dry days as well as during the growth of the vegetative mass), fertilizer complex supplements. To propagate perennial asters best division of the Bush.


Alpine Aster

According to legend, asters are the flowers that once were stars, i.e. stars that fell from the sky. You can agree with it, because these flowers are beautiful, like a heavenly creation. The legend also says that, blossom, asters communicate with their little sister in heaven. No exception – Alpine Aster.

Alpine Aster is a perennial herb characterized by its special simplicity. When planting it is important to observe the condition of alkaline soil, presence of calcium in the soil and the availability of sunlight and the total absence of shadows. Distinguished for abundant flowering and high growth. Propagated mainly by dividing the Bush or sowing seeds in open ground. Miksbordera used in the design of the Alpine hills, in the gardens in the foreground.

Alpine Aster is widely used in folk medicine. Known for its healing properties in the treatment of diseases of the gastrointestinal tracts, skin, bone and other diseases. This plant has expectorant, antipyretic and tonic for the human body.

Recipe No. 1: use of infusion asters with skin diseases, diathesis, gastritis, tendon diseases and as antipyretic for infections of various kinds. Two tablespoons of powder all parts of the Aster, pour 400 ml of hot water, infuse 30 min in a water bath. After infusion we chill to room temperature, it is necessary to strain through cheesecloth. It is recommended to take 100 ml four times a day.

Recipe No. 2: application of infusion of Alpine asters with hemorrhoids, colds and proctitis. 8 g of rhizomes should be diluted in one glass of water, boil for 5 min., let stand 2 hours and then strain through a gauze bandage. It is recommended to take 1/2 Cup three times a day.

Recipe No. 3: the use of infusion for lotions for eye diseases, to rinse the throat with angina. One tablespoon of herbs of the Aster Alpine should be diluted in one glass of water, boil for 3-4 minutes, let stand onehour and strain. Take tincture need one tablespoon three times a day or make lotions to the affected area of the skin.


Astra blue

Representatives of the blue asters are such varieties: "Blue Moon", "Flower carpet"and"Apollonia". These varieties differ from each other in different shades of blue colors, size of flower and shrub height, as well as Botanical types.

The Astra "Blue Moon"refers to the pompon type. Its bushes are aligned, fluffy, richly covered with flowers of a bluish-purple color. Wide flowers reach 10 cm, the height of the shrub to 50-60 cm Grown this variety sowing to a depth of 0.5 cm with soil rich in peat, soil humus, holding the pick in phase two emerged leaves. Used"Blue Moon"for the Seating arrangements in the balconies, gardens, stands, etc. it is Recommended to separate this kind of scheme 20*20 cm Flowering from July until frost.

There is a"Blue Moon"and in the varieties of blue. The flowers of this Aster blue-purple shades with white frames. Bush height up to 50-60 cm, the inflorescence are round, fluffy, with a diameter of 7-8 cm Grade does not like extreme temperatures and dry soil. Mostly used on slicer.

Astra"Flower carpet"has a variety of profusely flowering flowers Terry light blue colour, in diameter reaching 7 cm low Bushes up to 30 cm Stems"Flower carpet"is quite branchy and very sturdy. It blooms from July to September. With proper care Aster"Flower carpet"flowers will persist for a long time by decorating balconies, borders and gardens. It is recommended to plant out from March to April at a temperature of 15-16 °C, easily seeds prisypaya ground.

Astra"Apollonia"refers to chrysanthemoides type of lush, not sprawling shrub up to 65 cm, gustomahrovye Inflorescences of Apollonia, its rich light blue color, with a diameter of 12 cm This variety grows well in full sun, where there are no drafts. Likes limy, fertile soil but does not tolerate fertilizer from fresh manure; likes frequent watering. During budding requires mineral fertilizers. It blooms from July to September, well decorating the lawns.


Astra white

Varieties of white asters is rich in its varieties, they belong to different color groups, characterized by forms of inflorescences. Bright species of white asters are varieties of"Antarctica", "White sun", "White Swan", "Diana"and"White tower".

Astra "Antarctica"refers to the dwarf and the Royal group of asters. Bush profusely branched, wide reaches 30-35 cm, with many stems. The flowers are characterized bypure snow color, in diameter reaches 10-12 cm Variety loves well-lit place for their development, limy, well-drained soil, sheltered from the wind. Blooms early and blooms until the first frost. Has extensive decorative use.

Astra"White sun"refers to the group"princesses". Bush is especially branched, of a width up to 35 cm Flowers have a spherical shape, slightly flattened, rich in the profusion of petals, pale white color, size up to 12 cm in diameter. It grows on neutral, proizvestkovannym the soil is also protected from strong winds. Is mainly used to slice.

Astra "White Swan"got its name due to the branching, flowering small flowers (to 10 cm), the Bush white color taking Swan form. Refers to the peony group. Blooms from late June to November. The use received in the decoration of lawns and mainly shear.

Astra"Diana"refers to chrysanthemoides group asters. Amazing decorative flower forming in your shrub to 10 buds. The flowers are large, with long, wide petals, horizontal ground and tapering to the sun. This form flowers reach 15 cm in diameter. Color snow-white. Grows in well-drained soil, protected from wind, direct sunlight. The perfect vase life.

Astra"White tower" refers to the popular peony varieties. The bushes of this plant have a pyramidal shape with a height of 70 cm Flowers are in the shape of a ball with wide open petals wrapped inside the receptacle. The color of the florets creamy-white, size – 10 cm Flowering from August to September. The plant is undemanding in cultivation, the main thing for him – that was the sun. Used in the decoration of the borders, lawns and shear.


Contraindications asters

The use of healing infusions and decoctions of different varieties of asters found no specific contraindications. You cannot use them only in special, pre-identified hypersensitivity to this plant. Not recommended for use by Allergy sufferers, suffering from pollinosis, allergic if the panel revealed a sensitivity to flowering asters.