Uncover the Must-Have Flower for Every Garden
“Please note that Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commissions or revenue from the linked items.” Enhancing your garden with vibrant colors and visual appeal likely means that you’ve already cultivated flowers like hydrangeas, roses, mums, or goldenrod. However, if you haven’t yet introduced New England asters into your garden design, you’re missing out! Asters are among the late-blooming perennial flowers that add color and texture well into the autumn season. They make lovely additions to cutting gardens or mixed borders.
Native to the U.S., New England asters (Symphotrichum novae-angliae) feature small daisy-like flowers in shades of purple, pink, and blue. With an upright form, they typically grow between 3 to 6 feet tall and 3 feet wide. Some taller varieties might require staking to prevent them from bending. These asters thrive in a broad range of climates, spanning USDA Hardiness zones 3 to 8.
Caring for New England Asters
New England asters thrive in full sun, requiring at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal bloom. Planting them in shaded areas may hinder their flowering. While they can grow in various soil types, they prefer well-draining soils over heavy clay.
Consider the mature size of the plant when choosing a location; while many are tall and make great back-of-border features, there are also smaller dwarf varieties available. When planting, dig a hole twice the size of the root ball, position the plant at the same depth as in its pot, backfill the soil, tamp down to remove air pockets, and water thoroughly. Provide adequate watering, especially in the first season if rainfall is scarce. For planting aster seeds, wait until after the first frost, as they require cold temperatures to germinate in spring.
Are New England Asters Beneficial for Pollinators?
New England asters play a critical role in supporting various wildlife species and are considered a key plant in ecosystems. They serve as a food source for pollinators like native bees and migrating Monarch butterflies during the late season. Additionally, they act as host plants for caterpillars of different butterfly and moth species, while some birds feed on their seeds. With their ability to grow in many regions across the U.S., New England asters offer an effortless way to introduce pollinator-friendly plants to your garden. They create a striking contrast against ornamental grasses, dahlias, zinnias, and other pollinator-attracting flowers.
Common Challenges with New England Asters
New England asters are generally trouble-free and easy to grow once established. Occasionally, they might develop powdery mildew, a white substance that appears on the foliage in warm and humid conditions. However, this issue typically resolves itself and doesn’t impact the plant’s blooms. To reduce the risk of this disease, space the
ls.com New England Aster Seeds are available at Everwilde Farms for $3.48 on amazon.com. If you’re looking for a Purple Dome New England Aster plant, American Meadows offers it for $6.99 on their website. Great Garden Plants has the New England Aster ‘Kickin’ Lilac Blue’ for $16.99 at greatgardenplants.com, while Bluestone Perennials sells the New England Aster ‘September Ruby’ for $12.95 at bluestoneperennials.com. If you’re interested in more options, be sure to check out Spectacular Gifts for the Most Stylish Women in Your Life and discover 16 Gorgeous Indoor Plants for Homes of All Sizes.
