(Heath Aster, Sungal Heath Aster)

A form of the North American native heath aster, ‘Pink Cloud’ produces a generous display of small but profuse, pale-pink daisies on arching, open, many-branched stems lined with short, narrow, needle-like leaves. The dainty, yellow-eyed blooms appear from late summer to autumn, and are highly attractive to butterflies and other small, pollinating insects.

This tough, drought-tolerant perennial grows easily in full sun and adaptable to a range of well-drained soils. If allowed, it may self-sow...

(Prostrate Heath Aster, Snow Flurry Heath Aster)

Aster ‘Snow Flurry’ is a prostrate form of heath aster, a tough, drought-tolerant perennial native to North America. It forms a very low-growing, spreading mat of short, narrow, needle-like foliage which is carpeted with many small, white, yellow-centered daisies from early to mid-autumn. Its dainty blooms are highly attractive to bees and butterflies, and add a breath of freshness to the garden following the tired, faded tones of late summer.

This distinctive perennial thrives in full sun...

(Smooth Blue Aster)

Smooth aster is a clump-forming, herbaceous perennial found naturally in grasslands and open, wooded areas throughout much of central and eastern North America. It sends up several sturdy, often purple-tinted stems lined alternately with broadly lance-shaped, glaucous foliage that clasps the stems, and tends to remain fresh, green and attractive throughout the growing season. Both stems and leaves of this species are smooth and hairless, unlike those of most other asters. Panicles of showy, lavender...

(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...

(New England Aster, September Ruby Aster)

This gorgeous New England aster cultivar displays generous clusters of semi-double, ruby-rose daisies on tall, arching stems from late summer to autumn. The bright blossoms are complemented by rich green, lance-shaped foliage and are highly attractive to butterflies and other small pollinating insects.

New England aster is quite adaptable, but performs best in full sun and moderately fertile soil with average to ample moisture. Taller varieties such as this may require staking to avoid flopping...

(Aromatic Aster)

This North American native is among the best perennials for providing bold masses of late-season color. Clouds of violet or purple daisies with fine petals and yellow centers appear in late summer and fall on stout, many-branched stems. A single plant can have a dozen or more flower stems. The blooms are irresistible to butterflies as well as other beneficial insects that flock to this late-season nectar source. The foliage is remarkably fragrant when crushed, hence its common name.

Full sun...

(Aromatic Aster)

Noted for its compact, spreading habit, 'October Skies' is a wonderfully landscape-friendly aromatic aster that's as tough as it is pretty. Its many lavender-blue daisies have dusty yellow centers and fine petals. Their cool color contrasts beautifully with yellow-flowered fall composites. Flowering typically begins in mid-fall and continues for up to three or four weeks.

This North American native is among the best perennials for providing bold masses of late-season color. Clouds of violet...

(Aromatic Aster)

This North American native is among the best perennials for providing bold masses of late-season color. Clouds of violet or purple daisies with fine petals and yellow centers appear in late summer and fall on stout, many-branched stems. A single plant can have a dozen or more flower stems. The blooms are irresistible to butterflies as well as other beneficial insects that flock to this late-season nectar source. The foliage is remarkably fragrant when crushed, hence its common name.

Full sun...

(Aromatic Aster)

Clouds of lavender-blue flowers cover this bushy, relatively compact aromatic aster from early to mid-autumn. This favorite cultivar was bred at Holbrook Farm Nursery, in Fletcher, North Carolina; an establishment that has since closed.

This North American native aster is among the best perennials for providing bold masses of late-season color. Lots of cool daisies with fine petals and yellow centers appear in late summer and fall on stout, many-branched stems. A single plant can have a dozen...

(East Indies Aster)

Aster tongolensis is a compact perennial perfect for bringing late-season color to smaller gardens. Native to western China and the Himalayas, it is well adapted to dry, rocky soils of low fertility, making it a fine choice for waterwise gardens. It forms a low mat of oval, somewhat hairy leaves, from which rise numerous, nearly leafless stems topped by yellow-centered, violet-blue daisies, which bloom in late spring to early summer.

Preferring full to partial sun, Aster tongolensis...