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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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 |