Alphabetical Plant Listing

Symphyotrichum oblongifolium (Aromatic Aster)

Aromatic Aster, Aromatic American Aster, Fall Aster, Wild Blue Aster, Shale Aster, Aster obligonfolius


Compact and low-growing, Symphyotrichum oblongifolium (Aromatic Aster) is a bushy perennial forming a tidy mound of radiant color from late summer to fall with its profuse, blue-purple daisy-like flowers, 1 in. across (2.5 cm), adorned with golden-yellow centers. The blossoms are borne on stiff, well-branched, hairy stems clad with slender, blue-green leaves, 1 in. long (2.5 cm). The foliage is pleasantly aromatic when crushed. Aromatic Aster is easy to grow, long-lived, brings cheerful fall color, and is a great source of nectar for butterflies.

  • Grows up to 12-24 in. tall (30-60) and 12-36 in. wide (30-90 cm). Aromatic Aster self-sows where happy and slowly colonizes by stolons, but it is easy to control.
  • Thrives in full sun in average, dry to medium moisture, well-drained soils. Sandy or clay soils are welcomed. Provide good air circulation to avoid foliage diseases such as powdery mildew. Drought, salt, and poor soil tolerant.
  • A vital ingredient of late summer and fall beds and borders, cottage gardens, prairies, and meadows, or butterfly gardens. Perfect for containers. Valued for the excellent quality of its cut flowers.
  • Asters are a must if you are trying to attract birds or butterflies!
  • No serious pest or disease issues. Keep an eye out for powdery mildew. Deer and rabbit resistant.
  • Pinch back stems before midsummer to promote bushiness, produce a greater number of flowers and control the plant height (to avoid flopping). After it goes dormant, cut back to the basal rosette in late fall, or early winter.
  • Cutting back after flowering will prevent undesired self-seeding.
  • Native to the northeastern and central United States, from Pennsylvania to Wisconsin and south to North Carolina and Texas.

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Requirements

Hardiness 3 – 8
Heat Zones 1 – 8
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Aster
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Late)
Fall
Height 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm)
Spread 1' – 3' (30cm – 90cm)
Spacing 36" (90cm)
Water Needs Low, Average
Maintenance Average
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Fragrant, Showy
Native Plants United States, Midwest, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, Wisconsin, Northeast, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Rocky Mountains, Colorado, Montana, Wyoming, Southeast, Alabama, Arkansas, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Southwest, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas
Tolerance Clay Soil, Drought, Dry Soil, Rocky Soil, Salt
Attracts Birds, Butterflies
Garden Uses Beds and Borders, Ground Covers, Patio and Containers
Garden Styles Coastal Garden, Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow, Traditional Garden

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Great Plant Combination Ideas with Aster

Guides with Aster


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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
Heat Zones 1 – 8
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Aster
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Late)
Fall
Height 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm)
Spread 1' – 3' (30cm – 90cm)
Spacing 36" (90cm)
Water Needs Low, Average
Maintenance Average
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Fragrant, Showy
Native Plants United States, Midwest, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, Wisconsin, Northeast, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Rocky Mountains, Colorado, Montana, Wyoming, Southeast, Alabama, Arkansas, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Southwest, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas
Tolerance Clay Soil, Drought, Dry Soil, Rocky Soil, Salt
Attracts Birds, Butterflies
Garden Uses Beds and Borders, Ground Covers, Patio and Containers
Garden Styles Coastal Garden, Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow, Traditional Garden

Great Plant Combination Ideas with Aster

Guides with Aster

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