Boltonia Plant Growing & Care Guide for Gardeners
Article by Dean Ravenscroft, Ph.D. - Updated 22nd Oct 2023
In this Gardener's HQ guide, we'll explore cultivating Boltonia plants in your garden, indoor spaces, and other settings.
- Plant Characteristics: Boltonia display masses of star-like flowers that help add a splash of late summer and fall color to gardens. Its resemblance to asters, combined with its tall stature, makes it an attractive backdrop in flower beds.
- Ideal Growing Conditions: Locate in full sun and provide a moist, well-draining soil. It is tolerant of many soil types, including clay.
- General Care: Relatively low-maintenance, regular watering during dry spells will help promote optimal growth. Deadheading can encourage a prolonged blooming period.
- Tips for New Gardeners: If you're looking for a plant that offers late-season blooms and is easy to care for, then False Aster makes an excellent choice. While it's a robust plant, ensure good air circulation to help prevent powdery mildew.
False Chamomile, Doll's Daisy, & False Aster: Cultivation & Garden Use
Boltonia are hardy perennials that flower from the middle of summer into Autumn. hey can grow to an height of between 60 and 125 cm (24 to 50 inches) depending on the species.
Plants have daisy like flowers with yellow centers; petals may be white, lavender or pink.
They are commonly known as False Aster, Doll's Daisy, False Chamomile or False Starwort.
Boltonia asteroides (False Aster) by Wackybadger.
How to Grow Boltonia
When planting Boltonia outdoors it is best to sow out the seeds on the surface and lightly cover them in the early spring.
If you plan to grow indoors first then you should prepare seeds about 7 or 8 weeks beforehand. Boltonia usually takes two or three weeks to germinate and should be grown indoors at a temperature of 15 degrees Celsius.
The seedlings should be put outside after the last frost of the spring at a spacing of 45 to 60 cm.
Ideally the Boltonia plants should be located in a partially shaded or fully sunlit area that has a soil of pH 5.5 to 7.
Boltonia photograph by Freethehops.
Caring for Boltonia in the Garden
Boltonia plants should be staked and divided every three years in the spring to maintain vigorous growth.
The Boltonia flowers should be dead headed following flowering to prevent them taking over the garden.
-
Seed Success: Start Strong with this Ultimate Seed Starter Kit
Elevate your gardening game today by securing your Reusable Seed Starter Tray Kit. Get this must-have for any gardening enthusiast on Amazon and give your seedlings the head start they deserve. Embark on your journey to a bountiful harvest with confidence.
-
Garden Mastery: Unleash Your Potential with the Essential Tool Set
Boost your gardening with the CHRYZTAL Gardening Tool Set. Get this essential kit on Amazon for effortless gardening. A good set of tools is key to a thriving garden; make every cut count. Cultivate with ease and watch your garden flourish.
Boltonia Growing and Care Guide
Common Names: Doll’s Daisy: Apalachicola; White; Carolina; Claspingleaf; smallhead. Decurrent False Aster, False Aster, False Chamomile, False Starwort.Life Cycle: Hardy perennial.
Height: 24 to 60 inches (60 to 150 cm).
Native: North America.
Growing Region: Zones 3 to 8.
Flowers: Middle of summer and autumn.
Flower Details: White, pink, lavender rays. Yellow disc. Daisy-like ray and disc florets.
Foliage: Bushy. Herbaceous. Lance-shaped. Linear.
Sow Outside: Cover seed. Start of spring - before the last frost. Spacing 18 to 40 inches (45 to 100 cm).
Sow Inside: Germination time: two to three weeks. Temperature 60°F (15°C). Seven or eight weeks in advance. Transplant outdoors following the last.
Requirements: Full sunlight or light shade. Soil pH 5.5 to 7.0. Most soils. Provide support. Dead head before seed set to prevent spread. Propagate: can be divided in spring, but readily self seeds.
Miscellaneous: Many wild species are threatened with extinction due to habitat loss. Due to self-seeding Boltonia may become invasive.
Common Questions
How many members does the Boltonia genus have?
The Boltonia genus is small, comprising of only about 5 species.
Do members of Boltonia make a good garden or landscaping plant?
Yes, the Boltonia genus, particularly Boltonia asteroides, makes an excellent choice for a garden or landscape plant due to their beautiful late-summer flowers.
Which Boltonia species are most frequently grown by gardeners?
The Boltonia asteroides (False Starwort) is the species most commonly grown in gardens.
Are members of the Boltonia plant genus fragrant?
Members of the Boltonia genus are not known for their fragrance but for their stunning visual appeal.
What is the perfect location to grow Boltonia?
Boltonia plants thrive in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.
Is Boltonia invasive in the USA?
Presently, Boltonia is not considered invasive in the USA.
How do I remove Boltonia plants from my garden?
For removing Boltonia plants, use a garden fork or shovel to dig around the root, then lift the plant out.
Summary
The Boltonia genus belongs to the Asteraceae family, often referred to as the Aster or Daisy family. Native to North America, these hardy perennials are distinguished by their profusion of daisy-like flowers that bloom late summer into fall.
To successfully grow Boltonia, plant them in full sun to partial shade, in well-drained soil. They appreciate a moderate amount of water and will thrive when planted in late spring or early summer. They're tolerant of a range of soil types, making them a versatile addition to many gardens.
I hope that you enjoyed this guide on how to grow Boltonia. You may also enjoy the following growing guides: How to grow chamomile and Anthemis plants.
Elevate Your Gardening Game
Weekly Growing & Care Guides for Your Inbox!
Find the insights on this site valuable? Then you're going to love my book: 'The Gardener's HQ Plant Growing Guide'.
Upon purchase, receive the eBook in PDF, MOBI (for Kindle), and ePub (most e-readers and iPad) formats. Also available from Amazon USA, Amazon UK, and iBooks.
Genus Index B
