Aster New England Symphyotrichum Novae-Angliae is a beautiful, easy to grow perennial wildflower. This prairie plant is also called Hardy Aster and it is prized for its masses of pink to purple flowers with bright yellow centers. New England Aster starts to bloom in late summer and blooms non-stop into the fall well after first frost. The mounds of 1 to 2 inches aster flowers are very attractive to bees and butterflies - especially Monarchs.
New England Aster grows rapidly and is great for borders, native plant gardens, cottage gardens or butterfly gardens. Hardy Aster works well in the background of the fall garden, or it can be pinched back several times until midsummer for a stronger, more compact shape. Aster Novae-Angliae prefers full sun or partial shade and average, moist but well drained soil. Plant does well in soil that is slightly moist throughout the growing season but not soggy over the winter. New England Aster seeds germinate without pretreatment, and the established plant is drought and cold tolerant.
PLANT PROFILE
Season: Perennial
Height: 36-72 Inches
Bloom Season: Summer/Fall
Environment: Sun/Partial Shade
Soil Type: Average, Moist well-drained, pH 5.5-6.0
USDA Zones: 3-9
PLANTING INSTRUCTIONS
Sow Indoors: Winter/Spring (6-8 weeks before last frost)
Sow Outdoors: Spring/Late Summer/Early Fall
Seed Depth: 1/16 Inch
Germination Time: 14-21 Days
