100 Aromatic Aster Seeds – Symphyotrichum oblongifolium Purple Native Perennial for Pollinator Gardens

Symphyotrichum oblongifolium, commonly known as aromatic aster, is a native perennial wildflower prized for its late-season display of purple blooms. This hardy plant forms a bushy mound of narrow, fragrant green leaves and becomes covered with daisy-like flowers in shades of lavender, violet, and purple from late summer into fall. Its nectar-rich blooms are a magnet for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators when many other flowers have finished for the season.

Aromatic aster is an excellent choice for pollinator gardens, native plant landscapes, meadow plantings, and perennial borders. Its compact, mounding habit and tolerance for a range of soil conditions make it a versatile addition to sunny gardens. The flowers also make long-lasting cut flowers, and the plant provides late-season interest in the garden.

Plant Features

• Native perennial wildflower with purple, daisy-like blooms
• Fragrant, narrow green leaves on a bushy, mounding plant
• Attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators
• Blooms late summer through fall when few other plants flower
• Drought tolerant once established; deer resistant

Growing Information

• Botanical Name: Symphyotrichum oblongifolium
• Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
• Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil: Well-drained soil; tolerates poor to average soil
• Water Requirements: Medium; drought tolerant once established
• Growth Habit: Bushy, mounding
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-8
• Bloom Season: Late summer to fall
• Mature Height: 1-2 feet
• Spacing: 18-24 inches apart

Planting & Care

Sow aromatic aster seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost, or directly in the garden after the danger of frost has passed. Press seeds lightly into the soil surface; do not cover deeply, as light aids germination. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Germination typically occurs in 14-30 days at temperatures around 65-70°F. Once seedlings have several sets of true leaves, harden them off gradually before transplanting outdoors.

Choose a sunny location with well-drained soil. Space plants 18-24 inches apart to allow good air circulation. Water regularly during the first growing season to help establish a deep root system. Once established, aromatic aster is relatively low-maintenance and drought tolerant. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continued blooming, or leave seed heads for birds. In late fall, cut back stems to ground level after the plant has gone dormant.

What's Included

100 Symphyotrichum oblongifolium seeds (aromatic aster).