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Aster

true asters

Asteraceae

Europe and Asia, with a few species in North America

Attracts Pollinators Attracts Butterflies Deer Resistant

Native to North America

SunFull Sun – Part Shade

WaterMedium

HardinessZones 3–8

Overview

Aster spp. is a genus of about 180 species of perennials in the daisy family Asteraceae, now defined mainly by Eurasian species after many North American plants were moved to genera such as Symphyotrichum spp. and Eurybia spp.. Plants form clumps of upright, branching stems 0.5-6 ft (15-180 cm) tall, with simple, often lance-shaped leaves. The flower heads are daisy-like, 0.5-2 in (1.3-5 cm) across, with a ring of ray florets in violet, blue, purple, pink, lavender, or white surrounding a central disc of yellow florets that ages to reddish-brown. Most species bloom from late summer into autumn, though A. alpinus flowers in early summer. Heads are borne singly or in branched clusters and draw bees, butterflies, and other late-season pollinators. The genus grows in meadows, grassland, open slopes, and woodland edges across Europe and Asia, with a few species reaching North America. A. amellus, A. tataricus, and A. alpinus are among the species grown in gardens. Foliage dies back to the ground in winter and regrows from the crown. Most species are cold-hardy through USDA zones 3 to 8.

Native Range

Aster spp., in its current sense, is native mainly to Europe and Asia, with a few species extending into North America and Africa. Plants occur in meadows, grassland, open woodland, and on mountain slopes.

Suggested Uses

Aster spp. species are planted in borders, cottage and prairie-style gardens, and pollinator plantings for late-season color. The flowers are used as cut stems. Combined with ornamental grasses and other autumn perennials, the genus extends bloom into fall.

How to Identify

Identify Aster spp. by clumps of leafy stems topped in late summer and autumn with daisy-like heads of violet, blue, pink, or white rays around a yellow center. The leaves are simple and usually lance-shaped. Distinguishing true Aster spp. from the related Symphyotrichum spp. relies on technical details of the bracts and seeds, as the two share a similar look.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height6" - 6'

Width/Spread1' - 3'

Colors

Flower Colors

Foliage Colors

Fall Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~8 weeks

Summer Fall

Most species flower from late summer into autumn, roughly August to October, while A. alpinus blooms in early summer. Each clump carries open heads for several weeks. The late bloom comes as many summer perennials finish.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

violet, blue, pink, or white

Foliage Description

green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunFull Sun SunPartial Shade

Requires 5-9 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.5 - 7.5(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loam clay sand

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

1-2 years

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Aster spp. species grow in full sun to light shade in average, moist, well-drained soil with a pH near 5.5 to 7.5. They grow most fully with steady moisture and air movement, which reduces the powdery mildew that can mark the foliage. The genus is cold-hardy through USDA zones 3 to 8 and regrows from the crown each spring. Clumps are lifted and divided every two to three years to keep them vigorous and contained. Taller species may need support or a spring cutback to stay upright. Spent flowers can be left for seed-eating birds or removed to limit self-sowing.

Pruning

Cutting taller species back by about one third in late spring produces bushier, more self-supporting plants. Spent stems are cut to the ground after the foliage dies back in autumn, or left over winter for birds and cleared in spring. Dividing crowded clumps every few years renews growth.