Culture
Easily grown in average, medium, well-drained soil in full sun. Prefers organically rich soils. Good air circulation and consistent moist soils with good drainage helps reduce incidence of foliar diseases. Pinching back stems several times before mid-July will help control plant height, promote bushiness and obviate any need for staking. Pinching is probably less important for this compact cultivar than for taller asters. Thinning stems in summer promotes better air circulation. Plants may be cut to the ground after flowering.
Noteworthy Characteristics
Asters are the mainstay of many fall gardens producing daisy-like flowers.
Genus name comes from the Latin word aster meaning star for the shape of the flowers.
'Little Carlow' is a hybrid between cultivars of Aster cordifolius and Aster novi-belgii. It typically grows to 2' tall with a similar spread and features clusters of 1-1.5" diameter sky blue asters (blue rays and yellow disks) which bloom in fall. The blue flower color (as opposed to the more common purple) sets this plant apart from most other asters.
Problems
No serious insect or disease problems. Susceptibile to powdery mildew. Aster wilt can also be an occasional problem, particularly if plants are grown in poorly-drained clay soils. Taller cultivars may require staking or other support.
Uses
Borders, cottage gardens, butterfly gardens. Also may be used as a perennial edging plant along walkways or paths. Also may be grown in containers in sunny locations.