Great Design Plant: Aromatic Aster Keeps on Blooming
I have at least a dozen species of aster in my backyard, from color lovers to sunshine lovers, drought tolerators and rain garden mainstays. However, in my top three is fragrant aster, since it grows in even the worst dirt and blooms and blooms and blooms — even after many frosts. The beneficial insects appreciate its nectar that is late-fall, too.
Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens
Botanical name: Symphyotrichum oblongifolium
Common title: Aromatic aster
Origin: Eastern U.S.
Where it will rise: Hardy to -40 degrees Fahrenheit (USDA zones 3 to 9; find your zone)
Water requirement: Dry to moderate dirt
Light requirement: Full sun to 25 percent color
Mature size: 1 foot to two feet tall and 2-3 feet broad; slowly spreading shrub habit
Benefits: Mid- to late-fall blooms over many weeks; excellent nectar source for butterflies; very low care and super drought tolerant
Seasonal interest: Violet to blue blooms from October on
When to plant: Spring to fall
Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens
Distinguishing attributes. Aromatic aster comes from both the straight species and a fantastic cultivar known as ‘October Skies’. What makes the cultivar stand out is its own rounder tree habit and slightly bluer flowers. Aromatic aster flourishes in arid lands, from clay to rugged, and seems to enjoy being disregarded. In open ground it may gently reseed, however it is not invasive in any way.
Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens
The way to utilize it. Within this photo aromatic aster is a late-season accent among perennials that are already bare and ugly. It can definitely pick up the slack when everything has dropped its leaves. You could also use it like a shrub border, or as a front-of-the-border plant at a more formal layout.
Missouri Botanical Garden
Planting notes. Give it warm sun and dry dirt and it will thank you. Seriously. Once established it is among the most carefree asters on Earth. All kinds of late-season pests collect nectar from it as they finish migrations or buckle to winter hibernation. Give it more sun for more flowers, but it might take a fair amount of colour.