Frost Aster
Symphyotrichum pilosum
A white haze of tiny flowers from September to the first hard freeze. Late-season fuel for monarchs, warblers, and goldfinches in meadow plantings.
Typically 1 pint–1 gal · $9–$30 · final price at pickup
- Thu, Sep 248 AM – 4 PM
- Fri, Sep 258 AM – 4 PM
- Sat, Sep 268 AM – 2 PM
Blooms until hard frost -- white clouds of fall flowers when monarch butterflies need final fuel for migration south.
Frost aster is named for the fact that it blooms right up to the first hard freeze -- and sometimes beyond. The tiny white flowers with yellow centers cover the plant in a white haze from September through November, creating a cloud effect that reads beautifully from a distance. The stems are slightly hairy, giving the plant its species name 'pilosum,' and the fine texture of the foliage and flowers makes it an effective softening companion to coarser fall perennials. This is the field and meadow aster that naturalizes freely -- a high-energy, self-sufficient species that does serious ecological work as a late-season fuel stop for monarch butterflies, migrating warblers, and goldfinches. In a naturalized garden or meadow it will spread to fill gaps, which is mostly a good thing.
A nursery-grown plant, ready for the ground.
Healthy, container-grown frost aster propagated on-site at Hill House from regional genetics. Includes a one-page care card. We make every effort to supply plants as listed; occasionally we substitute a similar species of equal value.
- Sun
- Full sun
- Water
- Dry
- Mature size
- 2–4 ft · 18–36 in wide
- Bloom time
- September–November
- Bloom color
- White
- USDA zones
- 3–8
- Family
- Asteraceae
- Native range
- Eastern and central North America from Maine south to Florida and west to the Great Plains, in open disturbed areas, meadows, and roadsides
Care notes for frost aster.
Full sun in dry to average, well-drained soil. Spreads by both rhizome and seed -- control in formal settings, allow to naturalize in informal ones. Pinch in early July to control height. Cut back in spring or leave stems for winter bird habitat.
Pairs well with these.
Same light, same soil, same wildlife. Janet's picks to plant alongside frost aster.
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