New England Aster - Symphyotrichum novae-angliae

Phonetic: sim-fy-oh-TRY-kum NO-vee ANG-lee-a

This late blooming beauty with its purple petals and yellow centers provides an important fall nectar source for pollinators.  Plant at the back of a garden border where shorter plants can cover lower leaves as they naturally begin to dry up when the plant blooms.   

• Hardiness Zones: 3-7
• Native Region: BONAP Map
• BONAP Map Key Color Guide: Map Color Key
• Sun Exposure: Full, Partial
• Flower Color: Purple
• Bloom Time: August, September, October
• Soil Type: Medium - Moist
• Mature Plant Size: 3-6'H, 2-3'W
• Plant Spacing: 2'
• Host Plant: Pearl Crescent, Hoffman's Cochlid Moth, Pale Banded Dart, and Clemens Clepsis Moth,
• Attracts: Bees, Butterflies
• Advantages: Critical fall nectar source, cut flower, deer resistant, will tolerate clay soil
• Landscape Uses: Cottage gardens, moist prairies, perennial borders, rain gardens
• Companion Plants: Big Blue Stem, Black Eyed Susan, Boneset, Marsh Blazing Star, Sneezeweed, Rose Milkweed, Sweet Joe Pye Weed, Wild Bergamot
• Deer Resistant

New England Aster - Symphyotrichum Novae-Angliae

What to Expect During the First Three Years

New England aster often spends its early years building strength below ground before displaying its full bloom. This is one of the reasons these native perennials are valued for their longevity and resilience.

• Year 1: Flowering is often light or may be delayed while the roots become established.
• Year 2: The plant begins to produce noticeably more stems and foliage, with flowers blooming more than they did the first season.
• Year 3 and beyond: Plants mature more and are now able to produce masses of purple-pink flowers from late summer into fall. Pollinators such as bees and butterflies visit the blooms heavily during the autumn nectar season.

Bring these organically grown New England asters to your garden. Shop from Bagley Pond Perennials today or contact us to learn more.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will the New England aster attract monarch butterflies?

Yes. New England aster is one of the most valuable late-season nectar plants for monarch butterflies. The flowers provide an important energy source when many other garden plants have finished blooming for the year.

Will New England aster spread aggressively?

It usually forms expanding clumps over time instead of running aggressively. It may self-seed in favorable conditions, but seedlings are generally easy to move if desired.

Can this plant grow in clay soil?

It can. While it prefers average to moist, well-drained soil, established plants often adapt well to clay soils if drainage is not constantly poor.

How tall does New England aster typically get?

Mature plants commonly reach 3 to 6 feet tall, depending on soil moisture and sunlight. In richer soils, they may grow taller and benefit from being planted among other sturdy native perennials for natural support.

Is New England aster suitable for smaller gardens?

It can work well in smaller spaces if you plan for its mature size. Planting it toward the back of a border or combining it with shorter plants will avoid overwhelming the planting area.