Symphyotrichum patens

Common Names

Late Purple Aster, Spreading Aster

Summary

Late Purple Aster is a native perennial herb of the eastern and central United States with a short, stout rootstock and rhizomatous, colonial growth; stems are slender, ascending to erect or arching, reaching about 1–3 ft tall and 1.5–2 ft wide. Leaves are alternate, sessile, and clasp the stem, with a rough, hairy texture; inflorescences are heads at the ends of branchlets, 1–1.5 in wide, with 12–25 purple to blue ray florets surrounding a yellow disk that may turn reddish with age; blooms occur from August to October and attract butterflies.

Cultivation favors full sun to light shade and dry to medium, well-drained soil; crown should sit at soil surface and water should be provided after planting, then deeply but infrequently once established. It is drought-tolerant and tolerates dry soils; good air circulation reduces powdery mildew and aster wilt. The plant spreads by rhizomes to form colonies and, to manage spread, deadheading or pulling seedlings as needed. Native plant and pollinator garden uses include borders, open woodlands, cottage and rock gardens, butterfly gardens, and mass plantings; maintenance is generally low, with pest resistance when cultural practices are followed.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

1-3 feet

Spread

1.5-2 feet

Hardiness Zones

Zones 4-8

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally full sun, tolerates partial shade.

Soil Type

Well-drained soil

Soil Drainage

Well-drained soil.

Soil pH

Acidic soils (low pH)

Bloom Color

Purple (blue to violet; lavender)

Bloom Time

Fall

Foliage Color

Light to dark green

Leaf Lifecycle

Deciduous

Growth Rate

Moderate

Seasons of Interest

Summer and Fall

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Division

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts butterflies