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East Indies Aster (Aster tongolensis): Mat-Forming Violet-Blue Flowers

East Indies aster (Aster tongolensis) is a mat-forming aster with thick, almost leafless stems supporting solitary violet-blue ray florets and orange-yellow disk florets. Many cultivars exist.

Care

Soil: Well-drained, average fertile.
Light: Full sun.

Propagation & Problems

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

Quick Reference

Height	1–3 ft.
Spread	1–3 ft.
Light	Full Sun
Maintenance	Moderate
Features	Attracts butterflies, showy flowers
Bloom Time	Late Summer, Summer
Flower Color	Blue, Purple
Uses	Beds, Borders
Style	Meadow Garden
Type	Perennials

Other: Identifying a Tall, Pale Pink Fall Perennial in Coastal Massachusetts; Aster Flower Meaning: Starry Blooms, September Birth Flower & Symbolism; Autumn Asters: Fall-Blooming Stars for the Late-Season Garden; Climbing Carolina Aster (Ampelaster carolinianus): Late-Fall Blooms for Pollinators; New York Aster (Aster dumosus): Short Lilac-Blue Flowers for Slopes; Heath Aster (Aster ericoides): Native Clumping Perennial with Small White Flowers; Bigleaf Aster (Aster macrophyllus): Heart-Shaped Leaves Turning Mauve in Autumn; New England Aster (Aster novae-angliae): Tall Violet-Purple Sprays; Tatarian Aster (Aster tataricus): Tall Late-Blooming Butterfly Magnet; Growing Aster (Michaelmas Daisy)

Garden Articles

Cold-Damaged Potted Aster: Prune and Wait for Regrowth

‘Wood’s Pink’ Aster (Aster dumosus ‘Wood’s Pink’): Pink Daisy-Like Flowers, Mildew Resistant

‘Lady in Black’ Aster (Aster lateriflorus ‘Lady in Black’): Dusky Purple Foliage and Autumn Blooms

‘Purple Dome’ New England Aster (Aster novae-angliae ‘Purple Dome’): Compact Mildew-Resistant Mounds

‘October Skies’ Aster (Aster oblongifolius ‘October Skies’): Dwarf Mounding Sky-Blue Flowers

Frikart’s Aster (Aster × frikartii): Long-Blooming Violet-Blue Flowers

‘Wonder of Staffa’ Aster (Aster × frikartii ‘Wonder of Staffa’): Repeat-Blooming Violet-Blue Flowers

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Dividing Perennial Asters in Late Summer

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Perennial Asters: Varieties, Culture, and Garden Uses

Growing Asters: From Alpine Gems to Late-Season Stars

Aster Diseases: Symptoms, Causes, and Management Options