Wood’s Light Blue Aster

Wood’s Light Blue Aster provides brilliant color against the golden leaves and grassy plumes of autumn. The compact habit requires no staking and looks fabulous at the front of perennial borders or the edges of rain gardens. The dark green leaves display excellent resistance to mildew and rust, while the daisy-like blooms attract scores of native bees, honeybees, butterflies, skippers, and beetles. Symphyotrichum dumosum is a North American native, found in southeast Ontario, and growing from Maine west to Illinois, and south to Florida and Texas. The natural habitat includes open sandy sites, dry to wet fields, and open woods. Plant in rich, evenly moist soils and full sun. Avoid crowding plants to allow good air circulation for healthy foliage and room for plants to expand. Wood’s Light Blue Aster benefits from dividing every two to three years in spring. Try pairing with sturdy Sedum blooms and the autumn foliage of Amsonia.