(Smooth Blue Aster)

This outstanding smooth aster selection was introduced by Dr. Richard Lighty of the Mt. Cuba Center in northern Delaware. Its clouds of vibrant lavender-blue daisies are displayed in late summer to early autumn on tall, smooth, branched stems. Glaucous, blue-green, mildew-resistant, broadly lance-shaped leaves are borne alternately on the stems, and tend to remain fresh, green and attractive throughout the growing season. The showy flowers are highly attractive to butterflies and other small...

(Calico Aster)

Calico aster is a clump-forming perennial native to much of eastern and central North America. This species is most often found in lightly shaded forests, although it also grows in full sun locations where soils are moist. Its delicate sprays of small daisies displayed in autumn make it a valuable addition to perennial borders, woodland gardens or wildflower meadows, and also make attractive, long-lasting fillers for cut flower arrangements.

The slender, arching, branched stems of this aster...

(Calico Aster, Lady in Black Calico Aster)

The deep purple foliage of this striking calico aster cultivar contrasts dramatically with its clouds of tiny, white, purple-centered flowers displayed in autumn. The species is most often found in lightly shaded forests throughout most of eastern and central North America, although it also grows in full sun locations where soils are moist. ‘Lady in Black’ achieves its best foliage color in full sun, and is perfect for perennial borders, woodland gardens or wildflower meadows. Its dainty blossoms...

(Bigleaf Aster)

Bigleaf aster is an herbaceous perennial native to open areas and lightly shaded woodlands throughout much of eastern North America. As the name suggests, this wildflower is most recognizable for its large, heart-shaped basal foliage which spreads to form attractive colonies.

The bold, medium green leaves of this species emerge from rhizomes (underground, lateral stems), and are also borne alternately on the tall, usually hairy flowering stems which rise above the foliage in late summer. ...

(New England Aster)

New England aster is a clump-forming, herbaceous perennial native to moist, open areas throughout much of the United States and southern Canada. Its tall, thick, stems rise from basal clumps lightly hairy, lance-shaped, bright green foliage. The leaves are also borne alternately along the stems, and are clasping at the bases, rather than stalked. Plant height can be quite variable, ranging from knee-high to eye level. Large clusters of pink, purple or violet-blue, yellow-centered daisies top...

(Alma Pötschke Aster, New England Aster)

This stunning New England aster cultivar electrifies the autumn garden with a profusion of semi-double, glowing raspberry-pink daisies that bloom atop sturdy, well-branched stems. The brilliant blossoms are complemented by bright green, lance-shaped foliage, and are highly attractive to butterflies and other small, pollinating insects.

Though quite adaptable, New England aster performs best in full sun and moderately fertile soil with average to ample moisture. Taller varieties may require...

(Harrington's Pink Aster, New England Aster)

This statuesque New England aster cultivar bears loads of light pink, yellow-centered daisies from late summer into fall. Its soft blossoms make excellent cut flowers and are beloved by bees and butterflies. For a breathtaking display, try combining 'Harrington's Pink' with perennial sunflower (Helianthus) ‘Lemon Queen’ and switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) ‘Prairie Sky’, which will also help to conceal and support its arching stems.

New England aster is quite adaptable, but...

(Honeysong Pink New England Aster, New England Aster)

New England aster ‘Honeysong Pink’ forms a big dome covered with masses of rich pink, yellow-centered daisies in late summer to autumn. The blossoms are complemented by bright green, lance-shaped foliage, and are highly attractive to butterflies and other small, pollinating insects.

Though quite adaptable, New Enland aster performs best in full sun and moderately fertile soil with average to ample moisture. Pinching back of growth tips in late spring to very early summer helps to encourage...

(New England Aster, Purple Dome New England Aster)

This outstanding New England aster cultivar forms a broad, compact mound smothered with semi-double, yellow-centered daisies of rich, glowing purple in late summer to early fall. The brilliant blossoms are complemented by bright green, lance-shaped, mildew-resistant foliage and are highly attractive to butterflies and other small pollinating insects.

Though quite adaptable, New England aster performs best in full sun and moderately fertile soil with average to ample moisture. Unlike tall...

(New England Aster, Red Star Aster)

New England aster ‘Red Star’ forms a rounded, compact dome covered with masses of ruby-pink, yellow-centered daisies in late summer to autumn. Exceptionally low-growing, it does not require staking as do many taller forms of the species. Its blossoms are complemented by bright green, lance-shaped foliage, and are attractive to butterflies and other small, pollinating insects.

Though quite adaptable, this low-maintenence perennial performs best in full sun and moderately fertile soil with average...