Photo courtesy of Spotswood Greenery
Symphyotrichum novae-angliae
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New England aster is a native perennial that puts up three to six feet of vivid purple daisies in September, when most of the perennial garden has already gone over. Symphyotrichum novae-angliae spreads 2 to 3 feet in full sun to part sun, hardy from Zone 4 through Zone 8, and blooms the first season after planting.
Bloom runs from late summer through mid fall, and the timing is what makes it matter. Monarchs moving south in September need fuel, and this is one of the few things still producing nectar in quantity when they come through. Bees come to it heavily too, and the foliage feeds pearl crescent and silvery checkerspot caterpillars.
The species gets tall and can flop, particularly in rich soil or part shade. Cutting the stems back by about half in early June, before flower buds set, produces a shorter, sturdier plant with more branching. It also drops its lower leaves as the season goes, so it looks better with something planted in front of it.
New England aster wants moist soil and takes wet ground better than most perennials, which is why it grows wild in damp meadows and along ditches. Full sun gives the heaviest bloom and the best mildew resistance. Deer generally leave it alone.
Height 3'- 6' Spread 2'- 3'
USDA Hardiness Zones 4-8
Lowest Temperatures -30°F to -20°F
Full sun to part sun- at least 4 hours direct sun per day
Pearl Crescent, Silvery Checkerspot
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