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Symphyotrichum laeve (Smooth Blue Aster)

Smooth Blue Aster, Aster laevis

Symphyotrichum laeve, Smooth Blue Aster, Aster laevis, Fall perennials, Fall Flowers, Lavender Asters, Blue Asters

One of the most attractive blue asters, Symphyotrichum laeve (Smooth Blue Aster) is a clump-forming perennial boasting usually unbranched stems topped with profuse clusters of daisy-like flowers in late summer and fall. Blooming for weeks, the flowers, usually less than 1 in. across (2.5 cm), feature golden-yellow centers surrounded by rich lavender-blue rays. They are pollinated by insects, commonly attracting butterflies, bees, flies, and beetles. Borne on sturdy stems, their gentle color blends with almost any other color in the garden. They are pollinated by many native bees and attracts butterflies. The foliage of blue-green leaves is very smooth to the touch and handsome all season. Adaptable, Smooth Blue Aster is an excellent choice for the perennial border where it makes a beautiful foil for other late-season perennials. Equally handsome in natural landscapes and prairie restorations.

  • Grows up to 2-4 ft. tall (60-120 cm) and 2 ft. wide (60 cm). May need staking
  • Thrives in full sun in moderately fertile, dry to medium, well-drained soils. Drought and dry soil tolerant.
  • Vital ingredient of late summer and fall borders, cottage gardens or butterfly gardens.
  • No serious pest or disease issues.
  • Native to North America.

Requirements

Hardiness 3 - 8
Heat Zones 1 - 8
Climate Zones 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Compositae
Genus Aster
Common names Aster, Smooth Blue Aster
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Late)
Fall
Height 2' - 4'
(60cm - 120cm)
Spread 1' - 2'
(30cm - 60cm)
Spacing 24" (60cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Low, Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Native Plants Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Midwest, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Northeast, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pacific Northwest, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Rocky Mountains, South Carolina, South Dakota, Southeast, Southwest, Tennessee, Texas, United States, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming
Tolerance Drought, Dry Soil, Rocky Soil
Attracts Bees, Butterflies
Garden Uses Beds And Borders
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, Traditional Garden
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Ampelaster carolinianus (Climbing Aster)
Aster novi-belgii (New York Aster)
Doellingeria umbellata (Flat-Topped White Aster)
Symphyotrichum chilense (Pacific Aster)
Symphyotrichum lanceolatum (White Panicle Aster)
Symphyotrichum pilosum (Hairy Aster)

Recommended Companion Plants

Echinacea purpurea (Purple Coneflower)
Asclepias tuberosa (Butterfly Weed)
Liatris aspera (Rough Blazing Star)
Penstemon digitalis (Foxglove Beardtongue)
Andropogon gerardii (Big Bluestem)
Coreopsis tripteris (Tall Tickseed)
Ruellia humilis (Wild Petunia)
Verbena hastata (American Blue Vervain)

Find In One of Our Guides or Gardens

How to Create an Enchanting Butterfly Garden
For the Love of Butterflies: Best Flowers to Attract them to Your Garden
6 Reasons You Should Create a Butterfly Garden
For the Love of Bees: Best Flowers to Attract them to Your Garden
How to Cultivate a Thriving Bee-Friendly Garden
September Birth Flower: What is my Birth Flower?
25 Types of Daisies You Should Grow
Aster novae-angliae (New England Aster)
Aster novi-belgii (New York Aster)
Aster amellus (Italian Aster)
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.
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Requirements

Hardiness 3 - 8
Heat Zones 1 - 8
Climate Zones 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Compositae
Genus Aster
Common names Aster, Smooth Blue Aster
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Late)
Fall
Height 2' - 4'
(60cm - 120cm)
Spread 1' - 2'
(30cm - 60cm)
Spacing 24" (60cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Low, Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Native Plants Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Midwest, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Northeast, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pacific Northwest, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Rocky Mountains, South Carolina, South Dakota, Southeast, Southwest, Tennessee, Texas, United States, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming
Tolerance Drought, Dry Soil, Rocky Soil
Attracts Bees, Butterflies
Garden Uses Beds And Borders
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, Traditional Garden
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Aster
Guides with
Aster
Not sure which Aster to pick?
Compare Now

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