The ancient Greeks looked to the heavens and named them aster, the Greek word for star. It’s easy to see why. Each bloom is a tiny, colourful galaxy, a burst of celestial beauty you can hold in your hand.
While we might not always see a starry sky above Singapore, we can certainly bring these floral constellations into our homes to brighten up the place.
But which star will you choose? To help you decide, let's explore the enchanting types of aster flowers that can add a little starlight to your day.
1. The Classic Beauty: New England Asters
When you picture a classic aster, the New England Aster is probably what comes to mind. These flowers boast a profusion of thin, delicate petals surrounding a bright yellow centre.
They commonly come in gorgeous shades of deep purple, vibrant pink, and lovely magenta. They are tall and commanding, making them a fantastic focal point in a larger floral arrangement.
2. The Elegant Cousin: New York Asters
Very similar to their New England relatives, New York Asters offer a slightly more refined look. They tend to have smoother leaves and a slightly smaller stature, but they don't skimp on the colour. You can find them in beautiful blues, purples, and whites.
They mix wonderfully with other flowers, adding texture and a splash of cool-toned colour without overpowering the arrangement.
3. The Pompom Look: China Asters
Here's a popular one you'll definitely recognise! While botanically in a different family, China Asters (Callistephus chinensis) are universally loved and known as asters in the floral world.
Instead of a simple daisy shape, their petals curve inwards to form lush, dense heads that can look like pompoms or even peonies. They come in almost every colour imaginable and add a wonderful, full texture to any hand bouquet.
4. The Fringed Beauty: Stokes' Asters
For something a little different, look no further than the Stokes' Aster. This variety stands out with its large, intricate flowers.
The petals are deeply fringed and radiate from the centre, giving it a lacy and delicate appearance, almost like a cornflower. Typically found in shades of lavender-blue, they add a unique and eye-catching texture to arrangements.
5. The Towering Giant: Tatarian Asters
If you're looking for drama and height, the Tatarian Aster delivers. This is one of the tallest types, with sturdy stems that can reach impressive heights. At the top, they display beautiful flat-topped clusters of lavender-blue flowers. While you might not find a whole bouquet of them, their height makes them excellent for creating large, architectural floral displays.
6. The Florist's Favourite: Monte Cassino Asters
Now, this is a variety you have almost certainly seen! Monte Cassino Asters are the superstars of the filler flower world. Instead of one large bloom per stem, they feature a spray of tiny, white, daisy-like blossoms.
They create a light, airy, and almost cloud-like effect in bouquets. They are perfect for adding volume and a touch of wild, meadow-like charm.
7. A Touch of the Wild: Heath Asters
Similar to the Monte Cassino, the Heath Aster is known for its masses of tiny flowers. These usually come in white and are incredibly hardy.
Their small size and sprawling nature give bouquets a wonderfully natural and rustic feel. If you love the look of a freshly gathered wildflower bouquet, flowers like the Heath Aster are an absolute must.
8. The Colour-Changing Wonder: Calico Asters
This aster is a truly fascinating one. The Calico Aster gets its name from its magical, colour-changing centre. The tiny flowers have delicate white petals, but the central yellow disc slowly matures into a deep reddish-purple.
This means a single stem can look like it has a mix of two different flowers, creating a multi-toned, "calico" effect. It adds a layer of intricate detail and whimsy to any floral design.
9. The Long-Lasting Lavender: Frikart's Asters
A beloved hybrid in the flower world, Frikart's Aster (especially the 'Mönch' variety) is celebrated for its long-lasting nature. It produces stunning, single lavender-blue flowers with bright golden centres on strong, sturdy stems.
Because they are such reliable and prolific bloomers, they also have an excellent vase life, making them a fantastic and dependable choice for a classic bouquet that you want to enjoy for longer.
10. The Neat and Tidy: Wood's Asters
Often sold by their cultivar names like 'Wood's Pink' or 'Wood's Blue', these asters are known for their very tidy and compact growth. They produce dense clusters of clean, clear-coloured flowers, creating a neat and full appearance. In floral arrangements, they are perfect for creating more structured, rounded bouquets or for adding a dense pop of colour without any unruly stems.
Conclusion About The Types Of Aster Flowers
Whether you are drawn to the bold statement of a China Aster or the delicate spray of a Monte Cassino, there is an aster for every personality and every occasion.
Their joyful appearance symbolises love, wisdom, and faith, making them a thoughtful gift for birthdays, anniversaries, or just to let someone know you're thinking of them. They remind us that even the smallest stars can brighten the biggest spaces.
Ready to bring some starry beauty into your home? Explore our gorgeous aster arrangements at Windflower Florist, known for the best flower delivery in Singapore, and get 10% off when you join our community!
Frequently Asked Questions About The Types Of Aster Flowers
What Do Aster Flowers Symbolise?
Asters are rich in symbolism! Traditionally, they represent love, wisdom, faith, and patience. Their star-like shape also associates them with magic and enchantment. In the language of flowers, giving someone asters can be a way of saying, "I'm thinking of you."
What Colours Do Asters Come In?
Asters offer a beautiful rainbow of colours. You can find them in shades of purple, blue, pink, red, white, and lavender. The centre, or "eye," of the flower is almost always a bright, sunny yellow, creating a lovely contrast.
How Do I Care For Cut Aster Flowers In A Vase?
To keep your asters looking fresh, trim the stems at an angle before placing them in a clean vase with fresh water. Be sure to remove any leaves that will sit below the waterline. Change the water every two days and keep the bouquet out of direct sunlight and away from ripening fruit.
Are Asters A Good Choice For People With Allergies?
Asters are generally considered a good option for those with mild allergies. They have less airborne pollen than many other flowers because their pollen is relatively heavy and sticky, designed to be carried by insects rather than the wind.
Which Types Of Asters Are Best For Bouquets?
The Monte Cassino Aster is a top choice for florists as a filler flower due to its delicate spray of white blossoms. For a splash of colour, New England, New York, and especially the lush China Asters are fantastic choices as they provide larger, more prominent blooms.
