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Tatarian Aster (Aster tataricus): Tall Late-Blooming Butterfly Magnet

Tatarian aster (Aster tataricus) is an impressive, stately perennial with flowering height of 3–6 feet. No staking needed. Flowers longer than any other garden aster, beginning late September/early October into November. 1-inch light lavender flowers attract local and migrating monarch butterflies. Tolerates many soil types, forms large colonies in a few years, easily divided.

Care

Light: Full sun.
Soil: Well-drained.
Hardy to Zone 3; thrives in heat and humidity; adapts to wet clay to dry sand (may spread rapidly in light soil).
Needs plenty of room.

Propagation & Problems

Most asters require frequent division. Fungal diseases: wilt disease, powdery mildew, botrytis.

Quick Reference

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

Other: Slow-Growing Tree with Burnt Leaves in Texas Hill Country; Understanding Soil pH: What It Is, Ideal Levels, and How to Adjust It; Root Rot in Garden Beds: Diagnosing and Treating Soil-Borne Fungal Disease; The Ideal Potting Mix for Container Plants: Peat, Soil, and Ratios Explained; Magnesium for Wheat: Soil Test First, Then Decide; Safely Lowering Soil pH for Acid-Loving Plants; Kalanchoe Sudden Collapse: Pot Size & Soil Fatalities; Alfalfa Mulch: The Secret to Weed-Free, Worm-Rich Garden Beds; New York Aster (Aster dumosus): Short Lilac-Blue Flowers for Slopes; East Indies Aster (Aster tongolensis): Mat-Forming Violet-Blue Flowers

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