Symphyotrichum patens
late purple aster
Overview
Symphyotrichum patens is an upright herbaceous perennial growing 1-3 feet (30-90 cm) tall on slender, rough-hairy stems that branch widely in the upper half. The leaves are 1-4 inches (2.5-10 cm) long, oblong, rough to the touch, and clasp the stem with rounded, ear-like bases. Daisy-like flower heads about 1 inch (2.5 cm) across are carried singly at the ends of spreading branches, each with 15 to 25 violet to blue-purple ray florets around a yellow central disc that ages to reddish-purple. Flowering runs from August to October, late in the season after many other wildflowers have finished. The plant grows in dry, open woods, clearings, prairies, and roadsides across the central and eastern United States. It is drought tolerant once established and grows in lean, well-drained soils. The stems often lean or sprawl in rich soil or shade. A limitation in formal plantings is this loose, open habit, which can look untidy without nearby plants for support.
Native Range
Symphyotrichum patens is native to the central and eastern United States, from Massachusetts and Minnesota south to Florida and Texas. It is common in dry, open woods, prairie edges, and disturbed sunny ground.Suggested Uses
Grown in native plant gardens, meadows, prairie plantings, and the middle of mixed borders for late-season colour, spaced 18-24 inches (45-60 cm) apart. Suited to dry, sunny banks and naturalised areas. The late flowers supply nectar for migrating butterflies, bees, and other autumn pollinators.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1' - 3'
Width/Spread1' - 2'
Reaches mature size in approximately 2 years
Bloom Information
Violet-blue flower heads open from August to October, among the latest of the native asters to bloom. The flowers appear singly at the tips of spreading branches over several weeks. Bloom continues until frost in many areas.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
violet to blue-purple with yellow centerFoliage Description
greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-12 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
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Symphyotrichum patens grows in full sun to part shade and dry to medium, well-drained soils, including sandy and rocky ground. It establishes from seed or division and tolerates heat, drought, and poor soil once rooted. Rich soil and shade produce taller, weaker stems that sprawl. Little supplemental water is needed after the first season. Cutting the stems back by half in early summer produces a denser, more self-supporting plant.Pruning
Stems can be cut back by about half in late spring or early summer to limit height and reduce flopping. Spent stems are cut to the ground after frost. Dividing clumps every few years keeps them growing strongly.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
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D
late springsummer
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 2 gallons