Aster azureus (Sky Blue Aster)
Skyblue Aster, Sky Blue American-Aster, Azure Aster, Blue Devils, Symphyotrichum oolentangiense
Aster azureus (Sky Blue Aster) is a rhizomatous perennial boasting a profusion of small daisy-like flowers, 1 in. wide (2.5 cm), with 10-20 deep blue to lavender rays surrounding yellow centers. Blooming in the fall, the airy blossoms are borne in elongated spreading clusters at the branch tips. The foliage of heart-shaped leaves, 4 in. long (10 cm), turns reddish in the fall. Sky Blue Aster makes a substantial statement in the late season garden. Native to North America, it is easy to grow, brings cheerful fall color and is a great source of nectar for butterflies. It looks great in meadows, prairies or naturalized areas and is an important component in a prairie restoration.
- Grows up to 24-36 in. tall (60-90 cm) and 18-24 in. wide (45-60 cm). Will spread by rhizomes and self-seeding in the garden.
- Thrives in full sun to light shade in average, dry to medium, well-drained soils. Provide good air circulation to avoid foliage diseases such as powdery mildew. Drought and dry soil tolerant.
- Vital ingredient of fall borders, cottage gardens, rock gardens, prairies or butterfly gardens.
- Cutting back after flowering will prevent undesired self-seeding.
- No known serious pest or disease issues. Keep an eye out for powdery mildew.
- Sow seeds outside in fall or provide cold stratification. Can also be propagated by softwood cuttings taken in late spring.
- Native to eastern North America.
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Requirements
Hardiness | 3
– 8 |
---|---|
Plant Type | Perennials |
Plant Family | Aster |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest |
Fall |
Height | 2' – 3' (60cm – 90cm) |
Spread | 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm) |
Spacing | 24" (60cm) |
Water Needs | Low, Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Cut Flowers, Showy |
Native Plants | United States, Midwest, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, South Dakota, Wisconsin, Northeast, New York, Southeast, Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, Southwest, Oklahoma, Texas |
Tolerance | Drought, Dry Soil, Rocky Soil |
Attracts | Butterflies |
Garden Uses | Beds and Borders |
Garden Styles | Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow |
Joshua Mayer, Flickr
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
Requirements
Hardiness | 3
– 8 |
---|---|
Plant Type | Perennials |
Plant Family | Aster |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest |
Fall |
Height | 2' – 3' (60cm – 90cm) |
Spread | 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm) |
Spacing | 24" (60cm) |
Water Needs | Low, Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Cut Flowers, Showy |
Native Plants | United States, Midwest, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, South Dakota, Wisconsin, Northeast, New York, Southeast, Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, Southwest, Oklahoma, Texas |
Tolerance | Drought, Dry Soil, Rocky Soil |
Attracts | Butterflies |
Garden Uses | Beds and Borders |
Garden Styles | Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow |