I like to think that the bees that visit my plants late in the year are ever thankful for the oasis of nectar my plants provide. Wildlifeĭue to Aromatic Aster blooming so late in the growing season, it is incredibly valuable to nectar seeking pollinators. This means that it can be planted almost anywhere that gets enough sunlight. AdaptableĪromatic Aster has evolved to be able to grow in almost any soil texture as long as it can drain. Even if it flops over, it will still make a showy flowering clump that is eye-catching. This gives it a beautiful appearance from all angles. BeautyĪromatic Aster will produce numerous blooms all along the stalks and at the tops of the plants. And this will make your yard contrast nicely compared to most other suburban yards that normally have their flower gardens put to bed by Autumn. If you have this flower growing in a few strategic locations, you can keep your yard flowering through frosts and after leaves drop. What are the pros and cons of Aromatic Aster Pros Late BloomerĪromatic Aster is one of the last native perennials to flower before Winter. Hosts the Silvery Checkerspot and various moths. Numerous bees, butterflies, skippers, bettles. The native range of Aromatic Aster Reference Table Scientific Name Isolated but significant population occur in other states such as New York, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania. The primary native range of Aromatic Aster is the Central United States from Texas to Wisconsin & North Dakota. Overall, it is aggressive, but it is completely manageable. But by September you will probably notice a few flowering stalks that you missed. You can mostly control this in early Spring when it emerges, just pulling unwanted seedlings or shoots. This plant has the capacity (and will) spread via seed and underground rhizome. One trait that must be considered before adding Aromatic Aster to your garden is aggressiveness. It has totally sprawled/flopped, but it still looks great because it has so many blooms that are along the stalk – not just at the terminal ends of the stalk (which is Aromatic Aster’s secret to looking great). It is about 4′ diameter and has hundreds of blooms along the stalk. This is a mature specimen of Aromatic Aster blooming in my yard. This means that even if the plant arches over or flops, it is still going to make for a short clump of blue-lavender daisy like flowers. You see, while most flowers have their flowers at the top of the stalk, Aromatic Aster will bloom along much of the stalk. Now, this is normally not a desirable trait in a flower – but this plant has another trick up it’s sleeve. But what you need to understand about Aromatic Aster is that will often arch over reducing it’s height to under 2′. Now most references will state that it gets up to 3′ tall, which is true. Somewhat tolerant of salt, and perfect for full sun and slopes, Aromatic Aster doesn’t get that tall, so may get shaded out in more moist environments. This is a tough rugged plant that will develop stiff stems by September and can grow in what would normally be considered inhospitable conditions. In fact, I have a neighbor with some beehives up the street, and I almost feel like he should be giving me a free jar of honey because I’m the only house feeding his bees in October! This image was taken on October 27th, 2023 in Southern Pennsylvania (Zone 6). The value this provides to pollinators that are still active is immense. Getting it’s common name not from the flowers, but the aroma of the leaves when crushed, Aromatic Aster will give off a balsam or anise-like scent. When it comes to late-flowering Perennials, Aromatic Aster is just about the last flower to bloom before Winter in North America. What Wildlife, Pests, and Diseases effect Aromatic Aster.How to grow and care for Aromatic Aster.What are the pros and cons of Aromatic Aster.This article will be a fully comprehensive guide to this plant from germinating seed to winter care. I’ve been growing Aromatic Aster in my gardens in some capacity since about 2016, and always love the late-season color when all my other neighbor’s gardens have been put to bed for the year. One of the last flowers to bloom before Winter, it’s numerous purple daisy-like flowers attract numerous pollinators and it hosts several caterpillars. Scientifically known as Symphyotrichum oblongifolium, it grows 2-3′ tall by 2-3′ wide in full sun and dry to medium-moist soil. Aromatic Aster is a herbaceous perennial native to North America.
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