Rough Aster (Aster scaber)

Photo: DalgialCC BY-SA 3.0via Wikimedia Commonsresized / cropped

Rough Aster Plant Care

Aster scaber Moench

Updated · Sources · How we source care data

With its deeply lobed, rough-textured leaves, this plant originates from Eastern Asia. Aster scaber is highly sought after by plant collectors for its unique foliage texture and striking appearance, making it a stand-out addition to any garden or collection.

🌱Herbs🌼Perennials🌻Annuals
Water

Every 7–10 days

Light

Full sun to partial shade

Temp

50–75°F

Humidity

40–70%

At a glance

How do you care for Rough Aster?

Water Rough Aster every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 50–75°F (10–24°C) and 40–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.

Where Is the Rough Aster Native To?

Native range4 countries

What Is the Rough Aster?

Rough Aster (Aster scaber) belongs to the Asteraceae family within the Aster genus. Rough Aster is native to wild mountain regions of Korea, eastern Russia, China, and Japan. Rough Aster is also known as Aster corymbosus, Aster komarovii, Aster scaber.

Rough Aster displays an upright, bushy perennial growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Rough Aster produces daisy-like flowers in various colors like purple, pink, white, and blue.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

How Often Should You Water a Rough Aster?

Aster scaber requires watering every 7–10 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.

Watering Frequency

Every 7–10 days

Let soil partially dry between waterings

What Light Does the Rough Aster Need?

Rough Aster thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Light Requirement

Full sun to partial shade

What Temperature and Humidity Does the Rough Aster Prefer?

Aster scaber grows best at temperatures of 50–75°F. Rough Aster prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Temperature

50–75°F

Humidity

40–70%

What Soil Mix Works Best for a Rough Aster?

Well-draining loamy soil with added compost for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for Rough Aster to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

How Often Should You Fertilize a Rough Aster?

Feed Rough Aster every 6 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.

Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.

Fertilizing

Every 6 months

During the growing season

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

How Do You Repot a Rough Aster?

Divide and repot every 2-3 years in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.

How Do You Propagate a Rough Aster?

Rough Aster can be propagated through seeds, division of clumps. Similar propagation techniques also apply to rough-surface aster plant care, which shares the same genus.

Is the Rough Aster Toxic to Pets and Children?

Pet safety not verified

The ASPCA does not list Rough Aster, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.

This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

What Pests and Diseases Affect the Rough Aster?

Rough Aster is susceptible to aphids, slugs, snails. 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.

What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Rough Aster Need?

Rough Aster grows outdoors in USDA Zone 5a – 8b. It survives winters down to planting zone 5a. Rough Aster is native to wild mountain regions of Korea, eastern Russia, China, and Japan.

Hardiness Zone

Zone 5a – 8b

Keep exploring plants

Rough Aster is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.

It belongs to the Aster genus — compare its care with other Aster species on PlantoScan.

Aster is part of the Asteraceae plant family — browse all Asteraceae genera and species.

Rough Aster thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.

More Aster Species

Other Aster species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:

Sources

  • Scientific name & taxonomy: Aster scaber Moench, family Asteraceae (first published in Suppl. Meth. (Moench) 253. 1802 [2 May 1802]) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
  • Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Rough Aster, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
  • Photo: Dalgial, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons — original.
  • Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 5a – 8b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
  • Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.

Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.

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