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Benarys Trimix Aster is a frost-hardy annual flower that erupts with large blooms in shades of blue, pink, and white, reaching a tidy 12 inches tall and ready to flower in 110 to 119 days. This classic cultivar thrives in full sun across hardiness zones 3 through 8, making it accessible to gardeners across most of North America. The easy-germinating seeds scatter readily into garden beds or containers, quickly filling spaces with softened lines and vibrant summertime color that cuts beautifully for arrangements.
Full Sun
Moderate
3-8
12in H x ?in W
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Moderate
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Large flowers in a striking mix of blues, pinks, and whites distinguish this compact alpine aster from taller varieties. Seeds germinate readily and plants flower prolifically, delivering reliable color from summer into fall. The compact 12-inch stature works equally well in garden borders and containers, while the frost-hardy nature means blooms persist even as temperatures drop.
Benarys Trimix Aster excels as a cut flower, with large blooms on sturdy stems ideal for fresh arrangements. The compact, mounding habit and prolific flowering make it a natural choice for softening garden edges, filling containers, and creating color-filled borders throughout the summer and into early fall.
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Start seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before your last spring frost at 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit for earlier blooms. This indoor start allows you to control seedling vigor and transplant vigorous plants into the garden.
Transplant hardened-off seedlings outdoors after the last frost date. Space plants 48 inches apart to allow room for their bushy mature form. Harden off seedlings over 7 to 10 days before moving them to their permanent garden location.
Direct sow seeds where you want them to grow, scattering them in garden beds or containers after the last frost date. These easy-germinating seeds require minimal fussing and will quickly establish.
Cut flowers for arrangements once the blooms have opened fully and display their characteristic color in blue, pink, or white. Cut stems in the early morning for longest vase life, and include as much stem as possible to maximize arrangement potential.
Pinch back young plants when they reach 4 to 6 inches tall to encourage bushier, more compact growth. Deadhead spent flowers regularly throughout the season to extend blooming and maintain the plant's neat appearance.
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