Photo courtesy of Spotswood Greenery
Symphyotrichum novae-angliae 'Vibrant Dome' PP19,538
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Vibrant Dome solves the problem that makes people give up on New England asters. Instead of growing tall and leaning over by October, this selection of the native Symphyotrichum novae-angliae forms a wide low mound 18 to 24 inches tall and 24 to 36 inches across, and holds that shape without any pruning. Full sun to part sun, hardy from Zone 3 through Zone 8, blooming the first season after planting.
Electric pink-purple daisies cover the mound so completely in fall that the foliage disappears underneath. Bloom starts in late summer and runs into mid fall, overlapping the monarch migration, and bees come to it steadily through the flowering. The foliage feeds pearl crescent and silvery checkerspot caterpillars.
Mildew resistance is better than most New England asters, so the lower leaves stay on the plant instead of browning off by September.
New England asters want moist soil and take wet ground better than most perennials. Full sun gives the heaviest bloom. Because the habit stays low and wide on its own, this one works at the front of a border or in a row along a walk where the taller selections would need staking or a June cutback. Deer generally leave it alone.
Height 18"- 24" Spread 24"- 36"
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, Silvery Checkerspot
AL, AR, CO, CT, DC, DE, GA, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, MT, NC, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, UT, VA, VT, WA, WI, WV, WY
