100 Calico Aster Seeds – Symphyotrichum lateriflorum White Native Perennial Wildflower for Pollinator & Meadow Gardens

Calico Aster (Symphyotrichum lateriflorum) is a native perennial wildflower prized for its clouds of small white flowers that bloom in late summer and fall. Each bloom has a subtle rosy center, creating a charming calico effect that attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. This adaptable aster is a wonderful addition to meadow gardens, pollinator plantings, and naturalized areas, where it provides late-season nectar when many other flowers have finished.

Growing naturally in open woodlands and along stream banks, Calico Aster thrives in a range of conditions and offers excellent wildlife value. Its fine texture and profusion of blooms make it a lovely companion for goldenrod, joe-pye weed, and native grasses. Whether you are establishing a pollinator habitat or adding native beauty to a perennial border, this wildflower delivers reliable performance year after year.

Plant Features

• Native perennial wildflower with small white flowers and rosy centers
• Blooms in late summer to fall, providing late-season nectar for pollinators
• Attracts bees, butterflies, and beneficial insects
• Excellent for meadow gardens, pollinator plantings, and naturalized landscapes
• Deer-resistant and low-maintenance once established

Growing Information

• Botanical Name: Symphyotrichum lateriflorum
• Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
• Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil: Average, well-drained soil; tolerates clay and moist conditions
• Water Requirements: Medium; keep soil consistently moist until established
• Growth Habit: Upright, clump-forming
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-9
• Bloom Season: Late summer to fall
• Mature Height: 2-3 feet
• Spacing: 18-24 inches apart

Planting & Care

Sow Calico 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 and maintain a temperature of 65-70°F. Germination typically occurs in 14-30 days. Once seedlings have several sets of true leaves, transplant them outdoors after hardening off.

Choose a sunny to partially shaded location with well-drained soil. Water regularly during the first growing season to help plants establish a deep root system. Once established, Calico Aster is relatively drought-tolerant but performs best with consistent moisture. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage additional blooms, and divide clumps every 2-3 years in early spring to maintain vigor. In late fall, leave stems standing to provide winter interest and habitat for beneficial insects.

What's Included

100 Symphyotrichum lateriflorum seeds (Calico Aster).