Asters: The Late-Season Stars That Keep the Garden Glowing

When most perennials fade, asters take center stage. "They're just a promise most of the year," says Gary Ratway of Digging Dog Nursery, "then—clouds of flowers." Those clouds come in blue, purple, pink, red, and white, attracting monarchs, butterflies, and bees.

Planting & Shopping Tips

Shop in autumn when asters are in bloom. In frost-free zones, plant anytime soil isn't soggy; in cold-winter areas, plant by mid-October or wait for spring.

Best Asters for Western Gardens

A. cordifolius: Violet-blue baby's-breath clusters on 4–6 ft stems. Great cut flowers. Zones 1–10, 14–21.
A. x frikartii: Early and late bloomer. 'Mönch' (lavender-blue, 2–3 ft), 'Jungfrau', 'Wonder of Staffa'. Stake or use a hoop. Zones 2b–24.
A. novae-angliae hybrids: Upright 3–5 ft, hairy leaves. 'Alma Pötschke' (salmon pink), 'Purple Dome', 'September Ruby'. Zones 1–24.
A. novi-belgii hybrids: Smooth leaves, many varieties from dwarf 'Bonny Blue' (10–12 in) to 6-ft 'Climax' (true blue). Zones 1–24.
A. pringlei 'Monte Cassino': Sprays of small white daisies on 3–5 ft branching plants. Excellent cut flower. Zones 1–24.

Sources

Bluestone Perennials (800-852-5243), Canyon Creek Nursery (530-533-2166), Digging Dog Nursery (707-937-1130), Forestfarm (541-846-7269).