The Astra variety 'Snowy Pearl' is a popular annual autumn plant belonging to the 'Princess' group. This variety is distinguished by its large, double, oval-shaped flowers with a diameter of 8-10 centimeters, featuring white petals and a yellow center resembling a daisy. The bush reaches a height of 50-60 centimeters, with a plant diameter of about 30-40 centimeters. Flowering is synchronized and abundant; buds bloom almost simultaneously and retain their decorative appearance for a long time, making the Astra attractive for both cutting and adorning outdoor flower beds and borders.
For successful cultivation of 'Snowy Pearl', it is recommended to choose well-lit areas with fertile loamy or sandy-loam soil, protected from cold winds and drafts. Seeds can be sown in spring or autumn; winter sowing with subsequent mulching is also possible. The seedling method allows obtaining strong plants, which are planted in open ground from mid-May to early June. Astra tolerates frosts down to -4 degrees, indicating its high cold hardiness.
The variety is widely used in professional gardening for landscaping urban and suburban territories, balconies, and verandas, as well as for growing in pots and containers. Due to its spherical bush shape and abundant flowering, 'Snowy Pearl' Astra is excellent for creating bright floral compositions and decorative masses, giving plots a neat and aesthetic appearance.
