Aster novi-belgii ‘Ada Ballard’ (New York Aster)

Featuring beautifully formed blooms, Aster novi-belgii ‘Ada Ballard’ (New York Aster) produces masses of large, double, lavender-blue flowers, 3 in. across (7.5 cm), with sunny yellow centers. Borne on slender, branching stems clothed in lance-shaped, mid-green leaves, the flowers bloom for weeks from late summer to mid-fall, bringing rich color to sunny borders at a time when many other perennials are beginning to fade. Native to North America, New York Aster is easy to grow, long-lived, and an excellent late-season nectar source for butterflies and other pollinators.

The species New York Aster (Symphyotrichum novi-belgii) is a documented larval host plant for the Pearl Crescent and is also used by Painted Lady and Painted Crescent caterpillars. Its flowers also provide valuable late-season nectar for adult butterflies, bees, and other pollinators.

• Typically grows with an upright, bushy habit, reaching 36-40 in. tall (90-100 cm) and 12-16 in. wide (30-40 cm). Deer and rabbit resistant.
• Thrives in full sun or partial shade in average, medium-moisture, well-drained soils. Moist, fertile soils are preferred. Provide good air circulation to help reduce the risk of foliar diseases such as powdery mildew. Tolerant of drought, salt, and occasionally wet soils once established.
• A valuable addition to late-summer and fall borders, cottage gardens, coastal gardens, and butterfly gardens. New York Asters are also prized for their excellent cut flowers.
• Asters are valuable for wildlife gardens, attracting butterflies, other pollinators, and seed-eating birds.
• Propagate by division in spring. Divide every third year to maintain vigor. Pinching back the stems several times in early summer can help produce more compact, bushier plants.
• May be susceptible to powdery mildew.
• Cut back in late fall.

Symphyotrichum novi-belgii, commonly known as New York Aster, belongs to the Asteraceae family, which also includes yarrows, chrysanthemums, and sunflowers. Numerous cultivars and hybrids are available, varying in height, habit, flower color, and growing requirements. Their daisy-like flowers are typically borne in branching sprays, creating an impressive display from late summer into fall.