Aster tea Plant Care

Aster tea (Astartea fascicularis) belongs to the Myrtaceae family within the Astartea genus. Aster tea is native to southwestern Western Australia.

Aster tea displays an upright, dense shrub growth habit, reaching up to 5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Aster tea produces showy clusters of small white or pink flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Aster tea every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Aster tea thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Astartea fascicularis tolerates temperatures of 50–80°F. Aster tea prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining acidic soil mix with added organic matter like peat moss and pine bark. Good drainage is essential for Aster tea to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Aster tea every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining acidic soil mix with added organic matter like peat moss and pine bark. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Aster tea is suited to USDA Zone 12a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped trees in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Aster tea can spread to about 3 ft (0.9 m) and reach about 5 ft (2 m) tall. Space plants about 3 ft (0.9 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the tree spacing calculator.

Prune Aster tea while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the tree in one year.

Aster tea is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Aster tea can be propagated through softwood cuttings, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to aster tea plant care, which shares the same genus.

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Aster tea is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Aster tea grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Aster tea is native to southwestern Western Australia. In cooler regions, grow Aster tea as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.