New England Aster: A Fall-Blooming Perennial Star

• Zones 1–24, 31–43
• Full sun, partial shade in hot-summer climates
• Regular watering

Asters are on many a gardener's list of favorite fall-blooming perennials. They're easy to grow and add color when most other flowers are winding down.

This aster is a stout-stemmed plant 3–5 ft tall with hairy leaves to 5 inches long. Pink to deep purple flowers are 2 inches across; favorite varieties are dark pink 'Alma Potschke' and deep lilac 'Treasure'. Stake plants early to keep stems from flopping.

Compared to many asters, New England aster is more tolerant of climatic extremes, taking high humidity and colder winters. Performs best in rich soil. Prefers regular water and thrives even in wet soil; if it dries out too much between waterings, it's prone to mildew. Divide clumps every 1–3 years.