Photo courtesy of Spotswood Greenery
Photo courtesy of Prides Corner Farms
Symphyotrichum oblongifolium 'Twilight Sky'
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Twilight Sky is the largest of the aromatic asters, reaching 3 to 4 feet tall and about as wide, which makes it a mid-to-back border plant or a mass planting rather than a border edging. This selection of the native Symphyotrichum oblongifolium grows in full sun to part sun, hardy from Zone 5 through Zone 9.
Hundreds of periwinkle to violet-blue daisies with yellow centers open from mid-October into November, which is later than almost anything else that flowers. Asters are a keystone genus, and this species draws unusually large numbers of native bees, including specialists that feed on nothing else. It cuts well too.
The foliage is stiff and gray-green, releasing 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 flop. If you want it shorter and denser, cut the stems back by a third to a half in early to mid June, before flower buds set. It handles drought, heat, poor soil, and moderate road salt once established.
Height 3'- 4' Spread 3'- 4'
USDA Hardiness Zones 5-9
Lowest Temperatures -20°F to -10°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
