Aster is a genus in the family Asteraceae that includes 180 flowering perennial species. It formerly contained over 600 species, but genetic and morphologic research in the 1990s proved that many “asters” belong in different genera.
This primarily affected New World species, with all but one being native to Europe and Asia. Species from the Americas have been reclassified in the genera Almutaster, Canadanthus, Doellingeria, Eucephalus, Eurybia, Ionactis, Oligoneuron, Oreostemma, Sericocarpus, and Symphyotrichum. All still belong to the same tribe of Astereae.
Almost all flowering plants with the common name aster bloom late in the summer and into the fall, adding beautiful color to autumn landscape. These flowering plants typically grow to three or four feet in height, but some species and cultivars have a mounded and compact habit instead.
Some of the more popular varieties are:
No matter the taxonomic changes, many garden flowers bear the name of “aster.” We have included all of these into one grouping, with growing and care guides featured below to help you grow your own gorgeous flowers.
Cheerful New England aster provides late-season color with an abundance of bright flowers that attract bees and butterflies. This easy to grow native perennial blooms from late summer right up to the first frost and returns vigorously year after year. Learn how to plant and grow New England aster in your garden now.
Perennial asters have daisy-like flowers and readily naturalize in the garden through self-sowing and an extensive root system. By dividing perennial asters you can keep them under control, growing vigorously, and enjoy them in other areas of the garden. Learn when and how to divide asters with our guide. Read more now.
If you’re searching for eye-catching color, texture, and height to add to your late summer to fall garden, put sky blue aster at the top of the list. This vigorous native perennial produces masses of small, daisy-like blooms on upright, branching stems. Read more to learn how to grow sky blue aster in your garden now.
China aster is a flowering annual for late summer to fall color. Many cultivars are available in vibrant, colorful tones. Sow seeds in spring and enjoy lush foliage all summer long. Then, just when other flowers are winding down, China aster bursts into bloom. Learn all you need to grow this beauty. Read more now.
Native perennial asters, such as the New England species, spread vigorously via roots and self-sowing. At season’s end, they form copious quantities of cottony seed heads that you can collect, to save and sow in a new location next year, or share with friends. Learn when and how to gather native aster seeds now.
Tatarian aster is a vigorous perennial that blooms from September to the first hard frost. It’s loaded with little lavender-blue flowers that butterflies love. Give it room to spread across the back of a border, or meander through a meadow, for autumn’s last hurrah. Learn more now!
The alpine aster is a low-profile, cold-weather perennial for USDA hardiness zones 4 to 7. It’s an early-blooming species that flowers from late spring through early summer. Perfectly suited to rock gardens, its flowers are pink, purple, or white. Learn how to grow and care for alpine aster, here on Gardener’s Path.