Aster sedifolius ‘Nanus’ (Rhone Aster)

Extremely compact, Aster sedifolius ‘Nanus’ forms a massive display of star-shaped, lilac-blue flowers, 1.25 in. wide (3 cm), with sunny yellow centers atop a foliage of lance-shaped, dark green leaves. Blooming for many weeks from late summer to late fall, this eye-catching beauty is a short, bushy perennial that is ideal for the front of the border or container planting. Unlike many other Asters, it doesn’t require staking. Native to Europe, it is easy to grow, long-lived, brings cheerful fall color, and is a great source of nectar for butterflies! 

• Grows in a bushy, compact dome of up to 18 in. tall and wide (45 cm).
• Thrives in full sun in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils. Provide good air circulation to prevent powdery mildew.
• Vital ingredient of late summer and fall borders, cottage gardens, prairies, or butterfly gardens. Ideal for containers and small gardens too! Valued for the excellent quality of their cut flowers.
• Asters are a must if you are trying to attract birds or butterflies! Drought and rabbit tolerant!

Aster sedifolius is a clump-forming aster, which typically features terminal sprays of daisy-like flowers, with bluish-lilac rays and yellow centers, on generally weak stems and rising 2-3 ft. tall (60-90 cm). This aster belongs to the Asteraceae family, which also includes yarrows, chrysanthemums, and sunflowers. The Genus Aster contains over 600 species and thousands of hybrid varieties, providing a wide choice to pick from, as they all vary in habit, height, flower color, leaf shape, and growing conditions.