new england aster
Symphyotrichum novae-angliae
USDA zones3 to 8
SunHandles full sun to partial shade
WaterHandles dry to moist soil
Size3 to 6 feet tall2 to 3 feet wide
- Habit
- Herb
- Bloom season
- Summer, autumn
- Bloom color
- Deep pink-purple
- Foliage color
- Green
- Soil types
- Clay
- Soil pH
- Acidic (pH<6.8)
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
New England aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae) is a perennial for pollinator gardens, meadows, rain gardens, and naturalized areas. 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, clay soil. Bees and butterflies visit the rose-purple flowers, and it blooms until frost. Deer tend to browse other plants first. Divide the roots every several years, and give it room because it can be aggressive.
Pairs well with Indian grass, Butterfly milkweed, and Prairie Sun rudbeckia.
Native range
North America.