Aster dumosus (Bushy Asters)

Providing a bold splash of color in the late-season garden with its masses of starry flowers, Bushy Aster (Aster domusus) is a rather short, compact, and bushy perennial that is ideal for the front of the garden and, unlike many other Asters, doesn’t require staking. Native to North America, it is easy to grow, is long-lived, brings cheerful fall color, and is a great source of nectar for butterflies!

• Blooming for many weeks from late summer to late fall, this eye-catching beauty features arching, multi-branched stems, 1-3 ft. long (30-90 cm), either erect, ascending, or sprawling. They are abundantly covered with lovely star-shaped blossoms, up to 1/2 – 3/4 in. wide (1-2 cm), usually in shades of lavender-blue or white, although some cultivars can be pale pink to deep purple-pink. The flowering sprays are upright on stems clad with skinny, roughly edged leaves.
• Spreads from creeping rhizomes to form thick clumps, up to 12-36 in. tall (30-90 cm).
• Thrives in full sun or part shade, in average, dry to moist, well-drained soils. Provide good air circulation to prevent powdery mildew.
• A vital ingredient of late summer and fall borders, cottage gardens, or butterfly gardens. Asters are also valued for the excellent quality of their cut flowers.
• Asters are a must if you are trying to attract birds or butterflies!

Aster Dumosus, commonly known as Bushy 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.