New England Aster
Symphyotrichum novae-angliae
The crown jewel of fall-blooming wildflowers, this spectacular native transforms into clouds of tiny purple flowers just when most gardens are winding down. Essential for monarch butterfly migration and beloved by over 100 native bee species, it provides crucial late-season nectar when little else is blooming. The impressive 3-6 foot tall plants create dramatic backdrops and naturalize beautifully in wildflower meadows.
Harvest
365-450d
Days to harvest
Sun
sim-fy-oh-TRY-kum NO-vee ANG-lee-a
Zones
4–8
USDA hardiness
Height
3-7 feet
Planting Timeline
Showing dates for New England Aster in USDA Zone 7
All Zone 7 native-wildflower →Zone Map
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New England Aster · Zones 4–8
Growing Details
Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar
Complete Growing Guide
Light: sim-fy-oh-TRY-kum NO-vee ANG-lee-a. Soil: Clay, High Organic Matter. Drainage: Good Drainage, Moist, Occasionally Dry. Height: 3 ft. 0 in. - 7 ft. 0 in.. Spread: 2 ft. 0 in. - 3 ft. 0 in.. Spacing: 12 inches-3 feet. Maintenance: Medium. Propagation: Seed. Regions: Mountains, Piedmont.
Harvesting
The herb produces a dry seed (achene) that displays from October to November.
Type: Achene.
Harvest time: Fall
Bloom time: Fall, Summer
History & Origin
Origin: Eastern North America
Advantages
- +Disease resistance: Height: 3 ft. 0 in. - 7 ft. 0 in., Width: 2 ft. 0 in. - 3 ft. 0 in.
- +Attracts: Moderate deer resistance.
Companion Plants
Plant Together
Purple Coneflower
Shares similar growing conditions and attracts beneficial pollinators while extending bloom season
Black-eyed Susan
Complementary bloom times and both support native butterfly and bee populations
Wild Bergamot
Natural pest deterrent that repels ants and rodents while attracting beneficial insects
Goldenrod
Blooms simultaneously providing abundant nectar for migrating monarchs and other pollinators
Little Bluestem Grass
Provides structural support and creates natural prairie ecosystem while improving soil drainage
Joe Pye Weed
Attracts butterflies and beneficial insects while providing wind protection for shorter asters
Wild Ginger
Acts as living mulch suppressing weeds and retaining soil moisture around aster roots
Yarrow
Improves soil health and attracts predatory insects that control aphids and other aster pests
Keep Apart
Black Walnut
Produces juglone toxin that inhibits growth and can kill asters and most other plants
Dense Plantings of Tall Fescue
Aggressive grass that outcompetes asters for nutrients and releases allelopathic compounds
Autumn Olive
Invasive shrub that creates dense shade and outcompetes native asters for resources
Pests & Disease Resistance
Resistance
Good disease resistance, may get powdery mildew on lower leaves
Common Pests
Aphids, lace bugs, generally pest-resistant
Diseases
Powdery mildew, rust, white smut (rarely serious)