Aster
Aster spp.
Aster Plant Features
Give your fall garden a boost of color with a generous helping of asters. These super easy, sun-loving perennials come in a variety of shapes and sizes that work well in garden beds or containers. Aster colors include white, purple, blue, or pink. Asters are also prized by butterflies who flock to the nectar-rich blooms. In fact, asters are a special favorite for Monarch butterflies who feast on the late blooms during their fall migration. These easy-care perennials also make great cut flowers. Hardy from zones 4-7.
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Aster Growing Instructions
Asters aren't too fussy about the soil they grow in, but if they could decide for themselves, they'd choose a rich, well-drained spot in your garden. Water asters from below, as wet foliage can become infected with fungal diseases. Cut asters back to the ground in the spring before new growth begins. Taller varieties of asters can grow 3 to 4 feet tall so consider staking the plants when young so they don't flop over once they reach their mature size. Pinching the plants back in late spring will also promote more compact growth.
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Light
Outside: Sun
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Colors
Blue, Pink, Purple, White
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Water
Medium water needs
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Special Features
Attracts butterflies
Super-easy to grow
Complement your Aster with these varieties:
Because chrysanthemums bloom at the same time as asters they make ideal companions.
Another reliable fall bloomer, Joe Pye weed, will easily flower alongside asters.
In the fall, most varieties of sedum send up pretty flower spikes that look great with asters.
Varieties: Our Favorites
Believer Purple
Aster 'Believer Purple'
Bees and butterflies will flock to your garden when you grow ‘Believer Purple’ aster. In fall, it bears purple flowers with yellow centers. It’s a compact variety that grows 10-12 inches tall.
Dragon Blue
Aster 'Dragon Blue'
Lilac-blue flowers with yellow centers appear in late summer and early fall on ‘Dragon Blue’ aster. This butterfly favorite grows 1 to 2 feet tall.
Hazy Pink
Aster 'Hazy Pink'
The raspberry-pink flowers of ‘Hazy Pink’ aster are a welcome treat at summer’s end. Pair it with other asters or mums. It grows 12 to 15 inches tall.
Henry Blue
Aster 'Henry Blue'
Bright blue, double blooms of ‘Henry Blue’ aster make it an outstanding selection for fall borders. ‘Henry Blue’ attracts plenty of butterflies, too. Plants grow 15-18 inches tall.
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Henry Purple
Aster novi-belgii Henry Purple
Henry Purple aster offers blue-purple blooms in late summer and early autumn. It grows 16 inches tall and wide. Zones 4-8
Magic Pink
Aster novi-belgii Magic Pink
Magic Pink is an easy-to-grow, early-flowering variety that shows off raspberry-pink flowers in late summer and early autumn. It grows 18 inches tall and wide. Zones 3-8
Magic Purple
Aster novi-belgii Magic Purple
One of the first asters to bloom, Magic Purple shows off blue-purple flowers in late spring and early summer. It grows 18 inches tall and wide. Zones 3-8
Peter III Blue
Aster novi-belgii Peter III blue
Peter Blue aster offers double, soft-blue flowers in early and midautumn. It grows 18 inches tall and wide. Zones 4-8
Woods Blue
Aster 'Woods Blue'
Growing just 12 inches tall, ‘Woods Blue’ aster makes an outstanding container plant. Pair it with mums and heuchera for a stunning fall show.