Morning Glory vs Aster: Which Blooms Brighter in Your Morning Routine?
What To Know
- Among this diverse tapestry, two captivating blooms often find themselves in a friendly competition for attention – the morning glory and the aster.
- Both morning glory and aster boast a vibrant palette of colors, adding a splash of beauty to any garden.
- Morning glories, known for their trumpet-shaped flowers, come in an array of hues, from the softest pastels to the most vibrant blues and purples.
The world of gardening is brimming with an array of enchanting flowers, each with its unique charm and appeal. Among this diverse tapestry, two captivating blooms often find themselves in a friendly competition for attention – the morning glory and the aster. These two beauties, though seemingly similar at first glance, possess distinct characteristics that set them apart. This blog delves into the captivating world of morning glory vs aster, exploring their unique attributes, growth habits, and the best ways to incorporate them into your garden.
A Symphony of Colors: Morning Glory vs Aster
Both morning glory and aster boast a vibrant palette of colors, adding a splash of beauty to any garden. Morning glories, known for their trumpet-shaped flowers, come in an array of hues, from the softest pastels to the most vibrant blues and purples. Their delicate blooms often unfurl in the early morning hours, earning them their name. Asters, on the other hand, offer a wider range of colors, including white, pink, red, purple, and even shades of yellow. Their daisy-like blooms, with their intricate petals, bring a touch of elegance and sophistication to the garden.
A Tale of Two Growth Habits
While their blooms differ, the growth habits of morning glory and aster also present contrasting characteristics. Morning glories are known for their vigorous, sprawling growth, often climbing and twining around fences, trellises, and other structures. Their vines can reach impressive lengths, creating a lush, cascading effect. Asters, however, prefer to stand tall, with their stems reaching heights ranging from a few inches to several feet, depending on the variety. They often form clumps of vibrant blooms, adding a touch of structure and verticality to the garden.
The Art of Planting: Morning Glory vs Aster
The planting process for morning glory and aster differs slightly, reflecting their distinct growth habits. Morning glory seeds are best sown directly into the ground after the last frost, as they prefer warm soil. They can also be started indoors a few weeks before the last frost and transplanted outside once the weather warms up. Asters, on the other hand, can be started from seed indoors or outdoors, but they prefer cooler temperatures. Sow aster seeds directly outdoors in early spring or in late summer for a fall bloom.
A Symphony of Fragrance: Morning Glory vs Aster
While both morning glory and aster contribute to the visual beauty of the garden, their fragrance differs significantly. Morning glories, while visually captivating, are generally scentless. Their beauty lies solely in their appearance. Asters, in contrast, offer a delightful fragrance, adding an olfactory dimension to their visual appeal. Some aster varieties possess a sweet, honey-like aroma, while others emit a more spicy or herbal scent.
Finding the Perfect Spot: Morning Glory vs Aster
When choosing a location for your morning glory and aster plants, consider their individual needs. Morning glories thrive in full sun to partial shade, requiring at least six hours of sunlight daily. They prefer well-drained soil and benefit from regular watering, especially during dry spells. Asters, on the other hand, also prefer full sun to partial shade, but they can tolerate a wider range of soil conditions, including slightly acidic soils. They are relatively drought-tolerant once established.
A World of Diversity: Exploring the Varieties
Both morning glory and aster boast a wide array of varieties, each with its own unique characteristics. For morning glories, some popular choices include:
- Heavenly Blue: Known for its vibrant blue blooms and vigorous growth habit.
- Scarlet O’Hara: Features stunning red blooms that add a splash of color to any garden.
- Grandpa Ott’s: A classic variety with beautiful pink blooms.
Asters also offer a diverse range of varieties, including:
- New England Aster: A hardy variety with large, showy blooms in a variety of colors.
- New York Aster: Known for its compact growth habit and abundance of small, daisy-like blooms.
- Italian Aster: Features a unique, star-shaped bloom with a vibrant purple hue.
Morning Glory vs Aster: A Final Verdict
Ultimately, the choice between morning glory and aster depends on your personal preferences and gardening goals. Morning glories are a perfect choice for those seeking a fast-growing, vibrant vine that can quickly add vertical interest to the garden. Their delicate blooms are a delight to behold, especially in the early morning hours. Asters, on the other hand, offer a more structured and elegant presence in the garden, with their tall stems and daisy-like blooms. Their fragrance adds an extra layer of sensory appeal.
Beyond the Bloom: The Legacy of Morning Glory and Aster
The beauty of morning glory and aster extends beyond their visual appeal. Both plants have been valued for centuries for their medicinal properties. Morning glory, for example, has been used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including constipation and inflammation. Asters, on the other hand, have been used to treat respiratory problems and skin conditions. However, it is essential to consult with a healthcare professional before using any plant for medicinal purposes.
A Garden Symphony: Combining Morning Glory and Aster
While morning glory and aster possess distinct characteristics, they can also complement each other beautifully in the garden. Their contrasting growth habits and bloom times create a dynamic and visually appealing combination. Imagine a trellis adorned with cascading morning glory vines, with a border of vibrant asters blooming at their base. The result is a symphony of colors, textures, and fragrances that will captivate the senses.
What You Need to Learn
Q: Are morning glories invasive?
A: Some varieties of morning glory, particularly the invasive species *Ipomoea purpurea*, can spread aggressively and become invasive. However, there are many non-invasive varieties available, such as *Ipomoea tricolor* and *Ipomoea nil*.
Q: How long do aster blooms last?
A: Aster blooms typically last for several weeks, providing a long-lasting display of color in the garden.
Q: Can I grow morning glories in pots?
A: Yes, morning glories can be grown in pots, but they will need a sturdy trellis or support to climb.
Q: When should I prune my asters?
A: Asters typically benefit from a light pruning in late winter or early spring to promote bushier growth and more abundant blooms.
Q: Are morning glories and asters deer-resistant?
A: Morning glories are generally deer-resistant, while asters can be susceptible to deer damage. However, deer preferences can vary depending on the specific variety and the availability of other food sources.