October skies aster (Aster oblongifolius 'October Skies') ASS-ter ob-lon-jih-FOE-lee-us Genus:  Aster 'October Skies' is a dwarf aster that is low to the ground and mounding. It flowers in the fall when most other plants have finished for the season, covering itself with hundreds of dark sky-blue flowers. Propagation:  Sow seeds in a cold frame in spring or autumn.  Divide or separate runners, preferably in spring, otherwise in autumn. Replant only vigorous, young shoots. Problems:  Verticillium wilt, gray mold, powdery mildew, rusts, white smut, aster yellows, and many fungal leaf spots and stem cankers are common. Prone to rosy blister gall, aphids, tarsonemid mites, slugs, snails, and nematodes.

Overview

Height 1 ft. to 3 ft. Spread 1 ft. to 3 ft. Growth Habit Spreads Growth Pace Moderate Grower Light Full Sun to Part Shade Moisture Dry to Medium Maintenance Low Characteristics Attracts Butterflies, Fragrant Foliage, Showy Flowers Bloom Time Fall Flower Color Blue Uses Beds and Borders, Container, Naturalizing, Waterside Style Cottage Garden, Herb Garden, Rock Garden Seasonal Interest Fall Interest Tolerance Deer Tolerant, Frost Tolerant Type Perennials