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Key characteristics

Family: Asteraceae
Height: 3 to 6 feet
Width: 2 to 3 feet
Flower color: Deep red-purple ray flowers surrounding yellow centers
Foliage color: Green with rough, hairy leaves
Bloom time: August to October
Light: Full sun
Water: Regular
Maintenance: Low; deadheading can promote additional blooms
Growing zone: USDA zones 3 to 9
Wildlife: Attracts butterflies, bees, and birds

Perennials

Symphyotrichum novae-angliae

New England Aster

Symphyotrichum novae-angliae, is a perennial native to eastern North America. It is often found in prairies, meadows, and along roadsides, where it thrives in full sun and well-drained soils. This plant blooms from late summer to fall, producing an abundance of vibrant, purple flowers with yellow centers. The blossoms, which attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, create a colorful display in the late-season garden.

One of the standout features of New England aster is its large, showy blossoms with numerous stamens that give it a fluffy, star-like appearance.

Light

Full sun

Water

Regular

Bloom time

August to October

Find this plant

Works well in

Borders
Sun Gardens
Pollinator Gardens
Bird Gardens
Rain Gardens

Companion plants

Coneflowers · Salvias · Shasta daisies · Catmint · Coreopsis · Bearded irises

Design tip

Foliage and form do most of the work here, so lean on texture and repetition rather than one flowering moment. Give it open sun and room to fill out, and repeat it in threes or fives so the planting reads as one sweep instead of scattered dots.