aromatic aster
Symphyotrichum oblongifolium
MBG Plant of Merit 2015
USDA zones3 to 8
SunHandles full sun to partial shade
WaterHandles dry to moist soil
Size1 to 3 feet tall1 to 3 feet wide
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Habit
- Herb
- Bloom season
- Summer, autumn
- Bloom color
- Blue, purple
- Foliage color
- Green
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, clay, chalk
- Soil pH
- Acid, alkaline, neutral
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
Aromatic aster (Symphyotrichum oblongifolium) is a perennial for borders, pollinator gardens, meadows, and rain gardens. It is hardy to USDA zone 3, or down to -40°F (-40°C). This plant likes full sun to part shade and dry to moist soil of most types. It makes purple mounds in fall, and butterflies and bees visit the blooms. It slowly spreads by stolons, so thin it regularly. It sits low on the menu for deer and rabbits.
Pairs well with Pale purple coneflower, Indian grass, and Standing Ovation little bluestem.
Native range
Northeastern and central United States.