Tatarian aster (Aster tataricus) ASS-ter tah-TAR-ih-kus Genus:  Aster Tatarian aster is an impressive, stately perennial with a flowering height of 3 to 6 feet. It can look you in the eye yet require no staking. More important, this aster flowers longer than any other garden aster, beginning in late September and early October and continuing into November. The 1-inch-wide, light lavender flowers are a magnet for local and migrating monarch butterflies. This plant tolerates many soil types, can form large colonies in a few years, and is easily divided. Noteworthy Characteristics:  This tall, late-flowering aster attracts butterflies and blooms for many weeks. Care:  Provide full sun and well-drained soil. Hardy to Zone 3, this plant thrives in heat and humidity and adapts readily to soil extremes from wet clay to dry sand (it may spread a little too rapidly in light soil, however). This species needs plenty of room to grow. Propagation:  Most asters require frequent division. Problems:  Asters are sometimes plagued by fungal diseases. The most common are wilt disease, powdery mildew, and botrytis.

Overview

Height 6 ft. to 10 ft. Spread 1 ft. to 3 ft. Growth Habit Spreads Light Full Sun to Part Shade Moisture Medium Moisture Maintenance Low Characteristics Attracts Butterflies, Showy Flowers Bloom Time Early Fall, Fall Flower Color Blue, Purple, Yellow Uses Beds and Borders Style Cottage Garden, Meadow Garden Seasonal Interest Summer Interest Tolerance Frost Tolerant Type Perennials