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. They have various shades of pink, blue, purple, and white blooms.
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.
The bushy aster is a shrubby native perennial with masses of tiny flowers that bloom in late summer to early fall. It is suited to cultivation in USDA Hardiness Zones 4 to 8. Numerous varieties and cultivated hybrids make it an intriguing plant. Read on and discover what bushy asters can contribute to your landscape.
The heath aster is native to the United States where it typically grows among prairie grasses and in the disrupted soil of roadbeds and clearings. Ranging in height from one to three feet at maturity, it readily naturalizes via rhizomes and self-sowing and produces masses of tiny blossoms from late summer into autumn.
Asters are daisy-like flowers that fill the late-season landscape with masses of blue, pink, purple, and white. They are the perfect bridge between summer and fall. However, sometimes they do not bloom as expected. Read on and discover 7 reasons why asters may fail to bloom and how to prevent it from happening to you.
If you are looking for perennials for the summer-to-fall landscape, New York asters have plenty to contribute. In white, as well as bold shades of pink and purple, they are star attractions in mixed mass plantings that include black-eyed Susans, coneflowers, and goldenrod. Read on to learn how to grow Michaelmas daisies.
Perennial asters revive late-season gardens with masses of blue, pink, purple, and white daisy-like flowers. They offer a refreshing transition from the fading blooms of summer to the vibrant foliage of fall. You can increase the number of plants in your outdoor living space by propagating them yourself. Learn how now.
While other flowers are winding down at summer’s end, asters are just warming up, in vibrant shades of blue, pink, purple, and white. And as you harvest your remaining vegetable crops, you may begin to wonder whether asters can contribute food to the family table. Learn whether or not asters are edible in this guide.
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 bloom in late summer, bringing masses of blues, pinks, purples, and whites to the landscape until the first frost. In addition to growing in beds, borders, drifts, and meadows, they grow well in pots. Read on for 5 tips on aster container gardening, and take your outdoor living space to the next level.
Perennial asters, in shades of blue, pink, purple, and white, refresh late season gardens for a beautiful transition to fall. Have you been hesitant to plant them because of their somewhat unkempt natural growth habits? Read on for 7 tips that will help you keep them in shape, and make them the pride of your landscape.
Starry aster flowers are native to North America, Europe, and Asia. Plants are available in an array of blues, pinks, purples, and whites. Mass plantings invigorate the late summer to fall landscape with carpets of robust color and texture. Read on and learn how easy asters are to grow and discover your favorites now.
Late season asters provide a colorful bridge between summer and fall. Their impressive heights and masses of tiny blossoms make a striking statement, especially when paired with other tall late season bloomers. Read on for 13 exciting companion plants for asters, and get ready to grow your best transition garden yet.
If you love purple flowers, asters make a cheerful addition to the outdoor living space. Choose from early or late blooming annuals and perennials ranging from low-profile plants with a single flower per stem, to tall bushy ones with clustered masses of blooms. Discover 11 of our favorite purple aster varieties now.
Late season perennial asters are known for having masses of small, daisy-like flowers and a somewhat shrubby growth habit. They add color to fading summer gardens and attract beneficial pollinators until the first frost. Read on to learn about 11 different species and how they can play a role in your landscape scheme.
Asters are transitional flowers that bloom from summer to fall. There’s an array to choose from that includes dwarf and tall, as well as annual and perennial types, best known for their multiple daisy-like blossoms that attract a host of beneficial pollinators. Read on to find 11 of our favorite blue varieties now.
Perennial asters are vigorous plants that spread readily via self-sowing and extensive root systems. They have a clumping growth habit and masses of tiny, daisy-like blossoms. Colors include blue, pink, purple, and white. Read on to discover 21 tips for managing their aggressive nature and enjoying them in your yard.
Calico aster is a daisy-like native perennial suited to USDA Hardiness Zones 3 to 8 that adds cheer to the garden from summer to fall. It needs little care once established, and readily naturalizes, especially in moist woodland settings. Read on to learn all you need to know to cultivate calico aster in your landscape.
The aster is a daisy-like perennial that adds height and texture to gardens from late summer to fall. You may be aware that it comes in shades of blue, pink, and purple, but did you know that it’s also available in white? Read on for 11 white asters that are sure to refresh your surroundings, here on Gardener’s Path.
If you want to add a touch of pink to your landscape, vigorous asters bring swaths of color, texture, and vertical interest to summer and fall gardens. Discover 11 outstanding varieties, from ballerina pink to sizzling magenta, you’re sure to find your new favorites for beds, borders, containers, and carefree meadows.
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.
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.