Bountiful Gardens

The Grand Finale: Autumn Splendor with Native Asters (Symphyotrichum & Eurybia)

The Snapshot

• Common Name: Aster, Michaelmas Daisy, Frost Flower

• Scientific Name: Primarily Symphyotrichum spp. (formerly Aster)

• Origin: Native to North America

• Hardiness: Zones 3 – 8 (Varies by species; generally very cold-hardy)

• The "Vibe": Explosive, colorful, and wild; the ultimate late-season "fireworks" display.

Why We Love It

Asters are the backbone of the late-summer and autumn landscape. Known for their daisy-like flowers with high petal counts, they range from low-growing groundcovers to towering 6-foot giants. They are prized for their ability to withstand the first few light frosts, often continuing to bloom well into November. Whether you have a sun-scorched prairie or a dappled woodland edge, there is a native Aster perfectly suited for your soil.

Ecosystem & Wildlife Impact

• The Migration Fuel: Along with Goldenrod, Asters are the most important nectar source for Monarch butterflies on their journey south.

• Late-Season Bee Support: They provide critical pollen for late-emerging native bees and honeybees preparing their hives for winter.

• Specialist Host: They serve as host plants for the Pearl Crescent butterfly and several species of specialized moths.

• Bird Seed Bank: If left standing through winter, the small seeds provide a vital food source for juncos, goldfinches, and sparrows.

Designer Tips: Where to Plant

• The Autumn Backdrop: Plant taller varieties like New England Aster at the back of the border to create a wall of purple behind fading summer perennials.

• Pollinator "Islands": Mix Asters with Goldenrods (Solidago). The purple-and-yellow color combination is not only a classic "pollinator favorite" but is also one of the most vibrant color pairings in nature.

• Woodland Edges: Use White Wood Asters (Eurybia divaricata) to brighten dry,

• shady spots under trees where little else will bloom in October.

Designer Pro-Tip: To prevent your tall Asters from becoming "top-heavy" and flopping over in autumn, use the "Chelsea Chop." In late June, cut the stems back by about one-third. This encourages the plant to branch out, resulting in a sturdier, bushier habit and even more flower heads!

Stories from the Garden

"I used to think my garden was finished after Labor Day. Then I planted a few New England Asters. Now, October is my favorite month! The purple is so intense it almost looks fake, and I’ve counted over twenty butterflies on a single plant at once."

— Marcella V., Zone 6 Gardener

A Growing Story: The Frost Flower

One of our customers shared that she woke up after the first hard frost of the year, expecting her garden to be brown. To her surprise, her Aromatic Asters were still standing tall, their blue petals covered in a delicate layer of ice. They looked like "frost jewels." It reminded her that nature has a way of staying beautiful even when the temperatures drop.