100 Calico Aster Seeds – Symphyotrichum Lateriflorum Native Pollinator Wildflower

Calico Aster (Symphyotrichum lateriflorum) is a native North American wildflower prized for its clouds of tiny, star-like flowers that bloom in late summer and fall. Each bloom typically features white petals surrounding a center that shifts from yellow to reddish-purple, creating a charming calico effect. This adaptable perennial attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators when many other flowers have finished for the season.

Calico Aster is an excellent choice for native plant gardens, pollinator patches, meadow plantings, and naturalized areas. Its fine texture and profuse blooms pair well with goldenrods, coneflowers, and ornamental grasses. It is relatively low-maintenance and can tolerate a range of soil conditions, making it a rewarding addition to wildlife-friendly landscapes.

Plant Features

• Native perennial wildflower with small, daisy-like blooms
• Flower centers transition from yellow to reddish-purple
• Provides late-season nectar and pollen for pollinators
• Adaptable to various soil types and moisture levels
• Excellent for naturalized gardens and meadow plantings

Growing Information

• Botanical Name: Symphyotrichum lateriflorum
• Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
• Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil: Average, well-drained soil; tolerates clay and sandy loam
• Water Requirements: Medium; drought-tolerant once established
• Growth Habit: Upright, bushy clumps
• Bloom Season: Late summer to fall
• Mature Height: 2 to 3 feet
• Spacing: 18 to 24 inches apart

Planting & Care

Sow Calico Aster seeds indoors in late winter or directly in the garden after the last frost. Lightly press seeds into the soil surface; do not cover deeply, as light aids germination. Keep the soil consistently moist until seedlings emerge. Once seedlings have a few sets of true leaves, thin or transplant them to their final spacing.

Choose a sunny to partially shaded location with well-drained soil. Water regularly during the first growing season to help plants establish. Mature plants are fairly drought-tolerant but benefit from occasional watering during extended dry periods. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continued bloom, or leave seed heads for birds. Divide clumps every few years in early spring to maintain vigor.

What's Included

100 Calico Aster seeds (Symphyotrichum lateriflorum).