New England Aster

Symphyotrichum novae-angliae

New England Aster is the showiest of all the native asters. tall, bold, and explosive with color in September and October. The deep purple-violet flowers with bright yellow centers cover the plant from top to bottom when in bloom, creating a column of color that you can see from across the yard. It's the native aster that gets attention, stops people on the sidewalk, and makes them ask what it is. The plant is tall. 4 to 5 feet without pruning. and benefits from a mid-summer Chelsea chop to keep it compact and self-supporting. In return for that single pruning, you get a fall display that butterflies, bees, and goldfinch all use intensively. Plant it at the back of a border, at the edge of a meadow, or along a fence line where the height is an asset rather than a problem.