Photo courtesy of Spotswood Greenery
Symphyotrichum oblongifolium 'Raydon's Favorite'
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Raydon's Favorite is the aromatic aster selection that has stayed in the trade longest, and it earns that by flowering heavily in October on a plant that holds itself upright without help. This selection of the native Symphyotrichum oblongifolium grows 2 to 3 feet tall and 12 to 18 inches wide in full sun to part sun, hardy from Zone 3 through Zone 8.
Lavender-blue daisies with yellow centers cover the plant in mid to late fall, later than nearly anything else in the garden. Asters are a keystone genus, and this species draws unusually large numbers of native bees, including specialists that feed on nothing else.
The foliage is small, stiff, and gray-green, giving off a clean balsam scent when brushed, which is what keeps deer and rabbits away from it.
Aromatic asters want lean, well-drained soil and full sun. Rich ground and regular water make them grow soft and open at the center, so the difficult dry spot is where this performs best. It handles drought, heat, poor soil, and moderate road salt once established.
Height 2'- 3' Spread 12"- 18"
USDA Hardiness Zones 3-8
Lowest Temperatures -40°F to -30°F
Full sun to part sun- at least 4 hours direct sun per day
Pearl Crescent
AL, AR, CO, DC, DE, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, MD, MN, MO, MS, MT, NC, ND, NE, NM, NY, OH, OK, PA, SD, TN, TX, VA, WI, WV, WY
Fragrant
