Summary
New England aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae) is a tall, showy herbaceous perennial for the late season garden. Growing to 6′ tall, the erect stems display an eye-level bouquet of 1.5” wide, vibrant blooms from late August to October. The daisy-like flowers range in color from rose purple to violet blue, with a yellow orange center. Blooming is best in full sun, though it will also flower in light shade.
This aster prefers moist, rich soils that are well-draining, but is adaptable to a range of conditions. Good air circulation lessens the incidence of foliar disease. As the plants progress towards blooming, their lower leaves tend to become unsightly and die. Pinching the plant a few times before mid-July will produce a shorter and fuller plant which reduces the exposure of naked stems. If taller plants are desired, consider siting them in a naturalized setting, like a meadow, with yellow Indiangrass (Sorghastrum nutans) or big bluestem (Andropogon gerardi). Position New England aster at the back of the border and front it with purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) or Golden Fleece autumn goldenrod (Solidago sphacelata ‘Golden Fleece’). The cultivar ‘Alma Potschke’ (image 3) has vibrant pink flowers.
New England aster is a standout as a nectar source for late season pollinators like bees and butterflies, especially for Monarchs on their migration south. Plants are a larval host for the Pearl Crescent butterfly and the Wavy-Lined Emerald moth. Stems can be cut down after flowering to control seeding in or reduced in height and left for overwintering stem dwellers. Formerly Aster novae-angliae. Zones 3-8.
More Details
- Plant Type
perennial - Sun/Shade Conditions
part-shade, sun - Foliage Character
deciduous - Soil Moisture
average, moist - Flowering Period
late-summer-to-early-fall - Soil PH
acidic - Flower Color
lavender, pink, purple, violet - Summer Foliage Color
green - Fall Foliage Color
green - Fruit/Seed Color
tan