New England Aster

Symphyotrichum novae-angliae

Hairy, clasping, alternate, lance-shaped leaves on stout purple sticky stem with blotches.

Asters have been welcomed into gardens and numerous hybrids have been cultivated. What all Aster flowers have in common is the yellow center. While the flowers have a Daisy like look they are members of the sunflower family.

New England Asters attract bees and butterflies and is a nectar source for Monarch butterflies.

Sow seeds in fall - provide 4 weeks cold moist stratification for germination to start indoors.

Requirements: Soil Type - Sandy, well drained Soil ph - Neutral Water - Moist, tolerates some drought Light - Full sun

Characteristics: Height Average - up to 4 ft. Time of bloom - Aug - Sept Flower colors - Lavender to purplish blue Flower size - 1 - 2 inch Propagation - Seed - Division Transplants - Easy