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.
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.
Say goodbye to blah autumn gardens, and hello to curb appeal, with a mass planting of cheerful New England aster. This bright purple flower is a favorite of butterflies and blooms until frost, returning vigorously each year. Learn all about this easy-to-grow perennial, right here on Gardener’s Path.
Does your outdoor space tend to be a little lackluster as summer ends? Then it’s time to add China aster to your beds and borders. A great cutting flower in a variety of colors, it’s sure to brighten up autumn gardens. Learn all about this vigorous flowering annual, right here on Gardener’s Path.