Symphyotrichum oblongifolium (Aromatic Aster)

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.