Purple-stem Aster
Symphyotrichum puniceum
Deep burgundy-red stems hold clouds of pale lavender flowers in fall. One of the best asters for rain gardens, pond margins, and wet spots.
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
Burgundy-red stems all season plus monarch-covered lavender fall flowers for the wet back border.
Purple-stem aster is one of the most striking asters for wet conditions. The stems are a deep burgundy-red, almost crimson, and they hold that color all season -- a structural detail that reads as an ornamental feature even before the pale lavender flowers open in September and October. The flowers are numerous and loosely arranged, creating a cloud of soft color on stems that can reach six feet in moist, fertile conditions. It's one of the best asters for rain gardens, pond margins, and low, wet spots where drainage is imperfect. The deep root system makes it effective at absorbing and filtering stormwater. Monarchs and painted ladies use it heavily during fall migration, and the seed heads carry into winter as bird food. A tall, bold, ecologically valuable native for the wet site back border.
A nursery-grown plant, ready for the ground.
Healthy, container-grown purple-stem 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
- Average
- Mature size
- 3–6 ft · 24–36 in wide
- Bloom time
- September–October
- Bloom color
- Lavender
- USDA zones
- 3–8
- Family
- Asteraceae
- Native range
- Eastern and central North America from Quebec south to Georgia and west to Nebraska, in moist to wet meadows and stream margins
Care notes for purple-stem aster.
Full to part sun in moist to wet soil. Tolerates seasonally flooded conditions. Pinch in early July to reduce height. Cut back in early spring. Divide every three years to maintain vigor. The purple stems are a year-round identification feature even before bloom.
Pairs well with these.
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