James Burghardt
Family
Asteraceae
Botanical Name
Aster oblongifolius 'October Skies'
Plant Common Name
Aromatic Aster
General Description
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 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 and well-drained soil with average fertility are key requirements for aromatic aster. Neutral to alkaline soil is preferred. Once established this tough perennial will tolerate heat and drought. Wild-type plants can become quite tall, so it is often necessary to stake the flower-laden stems. If pinched back by ΒΌ in early summer this aster will have denser branching and produce more flowers.
Showy wildflowers like this offer effortless beauty to home side perennial borders and naturalistic plantings alike. Gardeners keen on butterflies should also consider planting aromatic aster. The low, spreading habit or 'October Skies' also lends this plant to border edges. Some even suggest is makes a great herbaceous groundcover.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
8 - 1
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USDA Hardiness Zone
5 - 9
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun
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Height
12"-18" / 30.5cm - 45.7cm
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Width
18'-24' / 5.5m - 7.3m
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Bloom Time
Fall, Late Fall
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Native To
North America, Europe, Asia
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
Yellow, Blue, Lavender
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Fragrant Flowers
Yes
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
Yes
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
Yes
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
No
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Showy Fruit
No
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
No
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Foliage Texture
Medium
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Foliage Sheen
Matte
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Evergreen
Yes
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Showy Bark
No
Special Characteristics
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Sharp or Has Thorns
No
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Invasive
No
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Attracts
Birds, Butterflies
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Self-Sowing
Yes
