Along with mums and salvias, Asters are the swan song of late season flowering color in the garden. There is a wide array of flower color and size as well as plant height. Asters are also easy to grow!
Asters belong to one of the largest, most diverse flowering plant families, Asteraceae. They have evolved to utilize insects and wind for extremely efficient pollination and seed dispersal. (Just think of the dandelion!) Asters are native throughout the globe with nearly fifty species native to the Pacific Northwest. In an effort to narrow this vast family, this article will focus on perennial species commonly used in the garden.
Taller varieties are wonderful cut flowers and combine well with ornamental grasses, golden rod (Solidago) and roses that make good hips (such as R. rugosa). Shorter varieties provide mounds of bright color in containers and boarder edging. They combine well with ornamental cabbage and kale, oregano 'Kent Beauty' and low evergreen shrubs such as heather (Erica).
Compact plants growing 12-24" tall and wide. They are hybrids of A. nova-belgi, and often referenced under that species name. Great for the front border and containers. Hardy in zones 4-8.
Lavender-blue flowers and bright gold centers.
Grows 12-24" tall and 24"wide
Lavender blue or rich pink flowers with bright yellow centers
Grows 12-16" tall 16" wide
Excellent mildew and rust resistance
Fantastic burgundy foliages contrasts with small white flowers with pink centers
Grows 2-3' tall 18"wide
Hardy in zones 4-8
A very long blooming aster (summer to fall) with large lavender flowers.
Grows to 24” tall and 12-20” wide
Light: full to partial sun
Water: regular water.
Zone 4-9.
This group includes tall, showy cultivars perfect for the back of the border or weaved in among shrubs. They are native to northeastern damp meadows. The cluster blooms show off.. Bloom time: August through September. Fabulous cut flowers. Hardy to zone 4.
A show stopper with hot pink thread-like petals on tall 4’ stems.
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A compact grower to 18-24” high & wide
Royal purple, semi-double blooms are complimented by bronzy bracts
Hardy in zones 4-8
This one pairs beautifully with ornamental grasses such as Carex testacea and Pennisetum ‘Moudry’.
These asters are similar to their New England cousins but shorter with smooth toothed leaves. Most commonly found available with other fall color plants such as mums. 18-24" tall and wide. Hardy to zones 3-9. Perfect in containers
Henri I
Double light blue flowers 12-18" tall
Marie III
Dark pink double flowers
Clouds of tiny white flowers set this aster apart. The airy texture of this plant makes it the perfect filler in the garden or vase.
Grows 3’ high and wide
Hardy in zones 5-9.
Inventory varies on a daily basis April through October. Please contact us for current availability.
Family: Asteraceae
Genus: Aster
Common name: Michaelmas Daisy
Origin: 250 species from throughout the northern hemisphere and South America.
Culture: Most garden asters thrive in well drained, full to partial sun and regular summer water.
Pests & Diseases: Asters are generally pest free. Powdery mildew & rust are the major diseases. If this occurs remove the infected foliage (if possible) and spray the plant with copper or other fungicide.
Less common problems with asters include verticillium wilt, leaf spot, and leafhoppers (which transmit disease).
Maintenance: Asters can commonly flop in the garden by the time they are blooming. To avoid this, simply prune back by one half to two thirds in early to mid June. This practice often results in more flowers as well. Plants should be divided every two to three years to maintain a healthy stand.
Once the plants turn yellow in the fall, cut to the ground. Fertilize in spring with an all-purpose slow release food.
Additional qualities: Attracts bees, butterflies and other pollinators. Deer resistant. Great cut flowers. Long, late season bloom.
Propagation: Asters can be propagated by seed, division or cuttings all best done in spring. Seeds can be sown indoors two weeks before the last frost or directly outdoors after the last frost. Seed grown asters will bloom in their second year.
Division of thick plants will allow for more air circulation, which makes the plant less prone to powdery mildew. Use basal shoots or stems up to 2” long for cuttings. Keep cuttings moist until thoroughly rooted.
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We have a wonderful selection of perennials year round, but if you are looking for a specific perennial we will have the best selection when it is in bloom around town. Note: Native plant pages will take you into the Native Plant section.
