(Aster)

Garden asters have for centuries been one of the most beloved and often-used garden plants. The genus Aster includes approximately 250 species, the majority of which hail from North America. Recent DNA studies and evaluation of plant characteristics have led taxonomists to reclassify many taxa traditionally belonging to Aster into new genera to include Symphyotrichum, Ampelaster, Canadanthus, Eurybia, Ionactis, and Oclemena,...

(Alpine Aster)

Unlike many aster species, the delicate, pastel daisies of alpine aster bloom in late spring and summer. This unusually cold tolerant perennial is native across the far reaches of Canada, Alaska and Eurasia. Wild populations grow along montane river valleys, mountain slopes, tundra and rocky coasts. Some garden-worthy cultivated varieties have been bred, which are all considerably tough and well-adapted to cold climates and rocky terrain. Habit varies, some are prostrate and others bushy and mounded....

(Alpine Aster, Dark Beauty Aster)

Beautiful deep violet-purple daisies cover 'Dark Beauty' early in the season. These are borne on low-growing plants that are ideal for containers and rock gardens. This Ernst Benary introduction is easy to grow but tends to be short-lived. It will gently self-sow but the seedlings are not true to parent.

Unlike many aster species, the delicate, pastel daisies of alpine aster bloom in late spring and summer. This unusually cold tolerant perennial is native across the far reaches of Canada, Alaska...

(Alpine Aster)

The cultivar 'Goliath' bears large, pale lilac-blue "daisies" early in the season. It is a selection of Aster alpinus, a spring-blooming aster native to slopes, tundra, and coastlines over much of the upper latitudes of the Northern Hemisphere.

This hardy, short-lived perennial forms a dense hummock of medium-green, spoon-shaped leaves. Daisy-like blossoms with slender ray petals and golden discs are singly borne atop short, sparsely leaved stems in late spring and early summer. Bees...

(Alpine Aster, Happy End Aster)

Cheerful, semi-double, lavender-pink daisies cover the pretty alpine aster, ‘Happy End’, early in the season. It is an unusually compact selection is ideal for rock and trough gardens. Though easy to grow, this Ernst Benary selection tends to be short-lived. It will gently self-sow but the seedlings are not true to parent.

Unlike many aster species, the delicate, pastel daisies of alpine aster bloom in late spring and summer. This unusually cold tolerant perennial is native across the far reaches...

(Alpine Aster, Trimix Aster)

Early in the season, beautiful daisies in shades of pink, lavender, white and violet cover the alpine asters in this Ernst Benary mix. The mounded, low-growing plants are ideal for container culture and rock gardens. The plants are easy to grow but tend to be short-lived.

Unlike many aster species, the delicate, pastel daisies of alpine aster bloom in late spring and summer. This unusually cold tolerant perennial is native across the far reaches of Canada, Alaska and Eurasia. Wild populations...

(Alpine Aster, White Beauty Aster)

Beautiful white daisies cover 'White Beauty' early in the season. These are borne on low-growing plants that are ideal for containers and rock gardens. This Ernst Benary introduction is easy to grow but tends to be short-lived. It will gently self-sow but the seedlings are not true to parent.

Unlike many aster species, the delicate, pastel daisies of alpine aster bloom in late spring and summer. This unusually cold tolerant perennial is native across the far reaches of Canada, Alaska and Eurasia....

(Italian Aster)

This southeastern European native produces lots of cool blue daisies from late summer to fall. Though technically a perennial subshrub, it is often short-lived, so it is best planted as a seasonal annual. Natural populations extend across the Caucasus Mountains and down to Armenia and exist in open, rocky ground.

The tidy plants form clumps of lance-shaped or oval leaves that may be medium to gray-green. The foliage is markedly mildew resistant. Branched clusters of colorful daisies appear...

(Italian Aster, Violet Queen Italian Aster)

Pretty yellow-eyed violet daisies blanket 'Violet Queen' in summer or fall. This exceptional European cultivar is also compact and forms neat clumps. It's free blooming and strong-stemmed, so it rarely requires staking.

This southeastern European native produces lots of cool blue daisies from late summer to fall. Though technically a perennial subshrub, it is often short-lived, so it is best planted as a seasonal annual. Natural populations extend across the Caucasus Mountains and down to...

(Aster, Bonnie Blue Aster)

The bright, lavender-blue daisies of aster ‘Bonnie Blue’ offer a gorgeous contrast to the changing leaves of autumn. Its vivid, yellow-centered blooms smother generous mounds of fine, dark-green foliage in late summer to early fall, and are highly attractive to bees and butterflies.

Provide this perennial with full to part sun and moist, rich, well-drained soils. As with other asters, ‘Bonnie Blue’ is terrific for livening up tired, late-season beds and borders. It looks lovely when combined...