Just when most gardens start winding down, New England aster bursts into bloom. Its purple daisies with golden centers cover tall stems from late summer into fall, and they’re packed with bees and butterflies. For migrating monarchs, they’re a vital last fuel stop. Here’s how to grow new england aster, where it thrives, and how to keep this tall native looking its best.
You can read more on NC State’s New England aster profile.
New England aster is one of the most valuable fall flowers for wildlife. Monarchs heading south sip its nectar, and late-season bees depend on it before winter. In addition, its leaves feed the caterpillars of the pearl crescent butterfly. Then in winter, small birds pick at the seed heads.
It’s also tough. Once established, the plant handles clay, heat, and cold with little fuss.
Choose a spot with at least six hours of direct sun. In shade, stems flop and flowers thin out. The plant grows best in average to moist soil, but it adapts to most garden conditions. In fact, you’ll often see it thriving in roadside ditches and old fields.
Because it grows tall, place it toward the back of a border or in a meadow-style planting. It also fits beautifully into a pollinator garden plan.
You can also grow it from seed. However, seeds need a cold period to sprout, so sow them outdoors in late fall or winter.
Water young plants weekly during their first summer. After that, they usually need water only during long dry spells.
Tall plants can flop, especially in rich soil. To prevent this, cut stems back by about a third to a half in late spring or early summer. Then stop by early July, so flower buds can form. Pinched plants grow bushier, bloom a little later, and stand up better.
Lower leaves often turn brown and drop by bloom time. Therefore, plant shorter perennials in front, such as coneflowers, little bluestem, or black-eyed Susans.
Every three to four years, dig and divide clumps in spring. As a result, plants stay vigorous and bloom heavily.
Straight species plants, however, are often the best choice for wildlife.
Powdery mildew sometimes coats the leaves in late summer. It looks bad, but it rarely harms the plant. So give plants space, and water at the base. Also, the plant self-sows. Cut off spent flowers if you don’t want seedlings, or leave them for birds.
Pair New England aster with goldenrod for a classic purple-and-gold fall combination. It also works well with butterfly weed and other natives. For dry areas, see our drought tolerant landscaping ideas. Audubon’s native plants database can help you find more local natives.
No. It’s native to much of North America, though it does spread by seed.
Leave the stems standing over winter. They shelter insects and feed birds. Then cut them down in spring.
Deer sometimes browse young shoots. Still, mature plants usually come through fine.
Create a low maintenance front yard with tough shrubs, mulch, ground covers, and simple layouts…
Learn how to change hydrangea color with soil pH, which types can switch, and how…
Learn how to start a compost pile with the right mix of greens and browns,…
These fast growing privacy shrubs create a living screen in a few seasons. Compare height,…
Learn how to fill a raised garden bed with the right soil mix, save money…
Get tomato plant spacing right for cages, stakes, raised beds, and containers, so plants get…