Aster
(see also Symphyotrichum)Aster ×frikartii ‘Mönch’
‘Mönch’ Frikart’s aster
compoSitae
Lavender-blue flower heads; finely
pubescent leaves and stems
Blooms July–October
2–3 ft. high; 2–3 ft. wide
Full sun
Zones 5–8
pruning This plant has a long bloom
period even without deadheading. The
new flower buds are borne close to the
old flowers, so if you do choose to
deadhead, you must take care to
remove each spent bloom without
damaging the new bud. Plants are often
lanky; cutting back by half or more in
late May or early June can improve the
habit. It may also delay flowering.
‘Mönch’ aster is a tender perennial;
several authorities recommend that it
not be cut back for the winter in order
to increase its survivability. Cut plants
down in the spring after all danger of
cold weather has passed.
other maintenance ‘Mönch’
needs winter protection in zone 5, and
it will not survive wet winters. Select a
light mulch such as pine needles for
protection to avoid crown rot. Provide
light support such as pea stakes if
pruning is not performed.
related plantS Aster ×frikartii
‘Wonder of Staffa’ is even taller than
‘Mönch’ and requires pruning for
height control.
Aster tongolensis, a compact
summer-flowering aster known as East
Indies aster, does not need pruning for
height control. If deadheaded it may
rebloom later in the season. The
cultivar A. tongolensis ‘Wartburgstern’
(Wartburg star) grows to 18–24 in. with
lavender-blue flowers. Aster ×frikartii ‘Mönch’