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Plant care

Aster 'Fellowship' (Fellowship aster) care

Symphyotrichum novi-belgii 'Fellowship'

Also called Fellowship aster, Michaelmas daisy, New York aster.

RHS H7USDA 4-8Mildly toxic to petsIndoor 80-100 cm tall

Watering rhythm

7days

When the top 2-3 cm of soil is dry, roughly every 7 days

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Light

Direct sun (at least 4-6 hours)

Soil

Moderately fertile, moisture-retentive but well-drained loam

Humidity

40-65%

Temp

-20 to 28°C

Pet safety

Mildly toxic to pets

Mature size

80-100 cm tall

Care at a glance

Light

Aster 'Fellowship' needs sun on the leaves, not just bright ambient room light. Full sun (6+ hours) gives the best flower production and helps the plant resist powdery mildew. Novi-belgii asters are notoriously mildew-prone and poor light exacerbates this significantly. A south or west-facing windowsill in the northern hemisphere is the default; anywhere else, expect the plant to stretch and pale out within a season.

Watering

Water aster 'fellowship' when the top 2-3 cm of soil is dry, roughly every 7 days. The actual day count varies with pot size, light, and season — the finger test (or lifting the pot to feel its weight) is more reliable than a fixed calendar. Empty any drainage saucer afterwards so the pot isn't sitting in water. New York asters prefer consistently moist soil, unlike some New England cultivars. Do not allow to dry out fully — moisture stress triggers early lower leaf drop. Water at the base to reduce mildew risk.

Soil and pot

Aster 'Fellowship' grows best in moderately fertile, moisture-retentive but well-drained loam. Unlike New England asters, novi-belgii types benefit from a more moisture-retentive soil. Incorporate organic matter to hold moisture while maintaining drainage. Tolerant of a wide pH range (6.0–7.5). A pot with a working drainage hole is non-negotiable for this species — even free-draining mix will turn soggy in a closed planter. If you love the look of a decorative pot without a hole, use it as a cachepot around an inner nursery pot you can lift out to water.

Humidity and temperature

Aster 'Fellowship' sits happiest at around 40-65% humidity and -20 to 28°C (-4 to 82°F). Powdery mildew is the principal problem for Symphyotrichum novi-belgii; site 'Fellowship' in an open, sunny position with good airflow. Crowded planting dramatically increases mildew severity. If you keep the room above year-round and avoid placing the plant near a cold draught, a hot radiator, or an air-conditioning vent, you have already handled the two biggest indoor stressors.

Fertilising

Feed aster 'fellowship' sparingly. Apply a balanced fertiliser in spring as growth resumes. High-nitrogen feeds are best avoided as they worsen the mildew problem; a potassium-rich feed from midsummer improves disease resistance and flower quality. Skip fertiliser entirely on a stressed, recently-repotted, or actively wilting plant — fertiliser salts make damage worse, not better. Wait for a round of healthy new growth before resuming a feeding rhythm.

Common problems

Below are the issues we see most often on aster 'fellowship' in the Growli community. Each is annotated with the most common cause so you know where to start.

  • Powdery mildew — The main challenge for novi-belgii asters; plant in full sun with excellent airflow and consider preventative sulphur-based fungicide from late June.
  • Stem lodging — Can flop in sheltered or fertile gardens; support with pea sticks or ring stakes, or carry out the Chelsea chop in late spring.
  • Aphids — Common in spring on new growth; address early before colonies establish to prevent distorted buds.
  • Septoria leaf spot — Brown spots on lower leaves; remove affected material and improve air circulation.
  • Wilt and crown die-back — Old clumps deteriorate quickly; divide every 2 years in spring to maintain the large, clean flowers this cultivar is valued for.

Companion plants

Aster 'Fellowship' pairs well with Anemone x hybrida 'Honorine Jobert', Helenium autumnale, Rudbeckia fulgida, and Chrysanthemum 'Cottage Apricot'. These are species with similar light and water needs, so you can group them in the same room or on the same shelf and water as a batch.

Propagation

Divide clumps every 2 years in spring — this is essential maintenance, not optional, as novi-belgii types deteriorate rapidly in the centre. Replant outer portions with 3-5 shoots into refreshed soil. Propagation is the cheapest, most satisfying way to expand a collection — and it doubles as insurance against losing a mature plant to an accident. Take a backup cutting once the parent is established and healthy.

Toxicity to pets

Aster 'Fellowship' is mildly toxic to pets. Symphyotrichum novi-belgii 'Fellowship' is not individually listed by the ASPCA as toxic or non-toxic. As the genus is not on the ASPCA confirmed non-toxic list, it should be treated as mildly toxic; prevent ingestion by pets as a precautionary measure. If you keep cats, dogs, or curious children in the house, weigh placement carefully — a high shelf or a hanging planter is enough for casual safety. For severe ingestion incidents, call your local vet and the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (in the US, 888-426-4435).

Pet-safety status is sourced from the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List, which catalogues the most-asked-about plants for cats, dogs, and horses.

Aster 'Fellowship' care — frequently asked questions

What is the common name for Symphyotrichum novi-belgii 'Fellowship'?

Symphyotrichum novi-belgii 'Fellowship' is most commonly called Aster 'Fellowship', but it is also known as Fellowship aster, Michaelmas daisy, New York aster. The names refer to the same species, so care instructions for Aster 'Fellowship' apply identically to anything sold as Fellowship aster.

How much light does aster 'fellowship' need?

Aster 'Fellowship' grows best in direct sun (at least 4-6 hours). Full sun (6+ hours) gives the best flower production and helps the plant resist powdery mildew. Novi-belgii asters are notoriously mildew-prone and poor light exacerbates this significantly.

How often should I water aster 'fellowship'?

Water aster 'fellowship' when the top 2-3 cm of soil is dry, roughly every 7 days. New York asters prefer consistently moist soil, unlike some New England cultivars. Do not allow to dry out fully — moisture stress triggers early lower leaf drop. Water at the base to reduce mildew risk. The finger-test (or lifting the pot to feel its weight) beats a fixed weekly calendar because pot size, light, and season all change how fast the soil dries.

Is aster 'fellowship' toxic to cats and dogs?

Aster 'Fellowship' is mildly toxic to pets. Symphyotrichum novi-belgii 'Fellowship' is not individually listed by the ASPCA as toxic or non-toxic. As the genus is not on the ASPCA confirmed non-toxic list, it should be treated as mildly toxic; prevent ingestion by pets as a precautionary measure.

What USDA hardiness zone does aster 'fellowship' grow in?

Aster 'Fellowship' is rated for USDA zone 4-8 and RHS hardiness H7. Outside that range, grow it as a container plant that overwinters indoors before the first hard frost.

Aster 'Fellowship' deep-dive guides

Every aspect of aster 'fellowship' care, each with its own calibrated guide:

Featured in these plant shortlists

Aster 'Fellowship' qualifies for 3 curated Growli shortlists — each one filtered objectively from our structured plant-care library, so the selection is consistent and checkable:

Related guides

Aster 'Fellowship' is also known as Fellowship aster, Michaelmas daisy, and New York aster.