Best Asters for Fall Bouquets: 'Little Carlow' and 'Cape Cod'

While many asters wilt quickly when cut, two exceptional varieties stand out as superb cut flowers. Aster cordifolius 'Little Carlow', grown in Sunset's test garden, produces clouds of small lavender blooms that add an airy texture to arrangements. Another standout is A. cordifolius 'Cape Cod', which bears long sprays of small, single white flowers. Both varieties reach 3 to 4 feet tall.

Garden Uses

These asters excel as backdrops for larger flowers in bouquets, but they're equally stunning when allowed to shine on their own—planted toward the front of borders or in small, densely planted beds where their delicate sprays create a soft, romantic effect.

Growing Conditions

Like most asters, 'Cape Cod' and 'Little Carlow' are easy to grow. Both prefer full sun, though 'Little Carlow' tolerates light shade. They thrive in Sunset climate zones 1-10 and 14-21.

Our test plants came from Canyon Creek Nursery in Northern California (530/533-2166).