New England Aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae)
Comes in bundle of five- 1.5"x 2.25" plugs.
THIS ITEM IS ONLY AVAILABLE FOR PICKUP ON APRIL 12, 2025 FROM 10AM TO 12PM AT GREENVALE VINEYARDS, PORTSMOUTH, RHODE ISLAND.
*There is no delivery option for your seedling pre-order, you must pick them up yourself on our seedling sale date. Any seedlings that are not picked up will be considered a donation to ERICD's educational farm program.*
Light Requirements
sun, part-sun
Soil Moisture
dry, moist
Soil Description
acid, rich, average
Height
3'-6'
Bloom Time
August, September, October
Bloom Color
purple, pink, lilac
Hardiness Zone
4, 5, 6, 7, 8
sun, part-sun
Soil Moisture
dry, moist
Soil Description
acid, rich, average
Height
3'-6'
Bloom Time
August, September, October
Bloom Color
purple, pink, lilac
Hardiness Zone
4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Rhode Island Zone(s): 5
Massachusetts Zone(s): 5, 6
Description
No garden can be complete without the late-season splash of color provide by asters, and Symphyotrichum novae-angliae is one of the showiest ones of the lot. Towering at up to 6', it is also among the tallest native asters. With flowers correspondently large (up to 2" across) and a blooming period of up to 2 months, this species will leave a long-lasting impression. The bloom color can be highly variable with hues ranging from blue to purple and pink. Plant height can also be variable depending on the characteristics of the plant's location. The leaves are opposite and can easily be distinguished from other species within the genus for being conspicuously pubescent. Each plant consists of a central stem that typically becomes branched towards the top.
No garden can be complete without the late-season splash of color provide by asters, and Symphyotrichum novae-angliae is one of the showiest ones of the lot. Towering at up to 6', it is also among the tallest native asters. With flowers correspondently large (up to 2" across) and a blooming period of up to 2 months, this species will leave a long-lasting impression. The bloom color can be highly variable with hues ranging from blue to purple and pink. Plant height can also be variable depending on the characteristics of the plant's location. The leaves are opposite and can easily be distinguished from other species within the genus for being conspicuously pubescent. Each plant consists of a central stem that typically becomes branched towards the top.
Cultivation
New England aster is very easy to grow and adaptable. It will thrive in full to part-sun, and moist to average soil. Due to its height, it will tend to flop over without the support of neighboring plants. To lessen this tendency, or to avoid the need for stacking, plants can be pinched back repeatedly until about mid-July to encourage a more compact and robust form. During extended dry spells, the lower leaves might be shed but this will have no effect on the overall health of the plants. They do however require good air circulation and will benefit from being thinned out every few years. It will spread vegetatively via short rhizomes to form dense clumps and eventually large colonies. It also spreads readily from seed, especially where there is bare or disturbed soil. Zones 4-8
Additional Notes
Known as a pollinator favorite, this flower makes for beautiful cut and ornamental flowers. It is also deer resistant.