Aster coloradoensis

Aster coloradoensis in alpine cushion pale pink bloom in rockery
Aster coloradoensis

Perennial of the Asteraceae family, this species is endemic to the American Rockies, mainly in Colorado and adjacent states. It occupies alpine meadows, fine screes, and high-altitude rockeries, generally between 3,000 and 4,000 meters, on well-drained substrates, often granitic or schistose, exposed in full sun.

In its natural habitat, the cold, wind, and poor substrate compel the plant to a very tight cushion habit, pressed to the ground. In cultivation, it expresses itself differently: the basal leaves, spatulate to oblong, with irregularly toothed margins, of a medium green slightly pubescent, develop more freely, and the flowering stems rise to 15-25 cm, each bearing one to three heads.

The ligules are a very pale pink, almost white pink, fine and numerous, framing a bright golden yellow central disc. In its natural habitat, its flowering extends from July to August. In cultivation, it generally blooms in June-July.

It requires perfect drainage, a poor and mineral substrate, and full sun exposure; it does not tolerate stagnant winter moisture. Uncommon in collections, it deserves a place in well-drained rockeries or carefully maintained alpine gardens.