5. Frost
The frost variety, Symphyotrichum pilosum, aka hairy aster, is a US native perennial suitable for gardens in Zones 4 to 8.
It requires full sun to part shade and soil that is moist and well-draining. Some over-saturation is tolerated.
This plant has a bushy growth habit and a mature height of four to five feet. Its stems and leaves are hairy.
Slender-rayed blossoms measure three quarters of an inch wide and sport prominent yellow center disks.
This wildflower naturalizes readily, to the point that it is sometimes considered a weed.
However, massed in a meadow, it creates a bright, cheerful vista. Bloom time is from late summer into fall.
6. Lady in Black Calico
The calico aster, Symphyotrichum lateriflorum, aka side-flowering or white-woodland aster, is a perennial US native that does well in Zones 3 to 8.
It prefers a full sun to part shade location and dry to moist, well-draining soil. This one tolerates some over-saturation.
‘Lady in Black’ is an especially attractive mounding cultivar that tops out at three to four feet tall.
Clusters of half-inch blossoms consist of sparse rays with striking red or purple centers, and grow along only one side of each stem. The foliage matures to deep purple.
This drought-tolerant choice blooms from early summer to mid-fall. It readily naturalizes in moist, woodland settings.
You can find seeds now on Amazon.
7. Snow Flurry Heath
‘Snow Flurry’ is a cultivar of the white heath species, Symphyotrichum ericoides, a US native perennial ground-covering plant suitable for Zones 3 to 9.
Heights range from four to six inches at maturity. This variety thrives in a full sun location with well-draining soil, and has low water needs, making it suitable for xeriscaping.
Tiny half-inch flowers have slender rays with yellow centers that envelop the dense, creeping foliage.
Look no further for a rock garden star with a bloom time from late summer well into fall. This type resists mildew, and tolerates drought and poor-quality soil.
A cultivar to look for is ‘Bridal Veil,’ which grows up to two feet tall at maturity, and exhibits greater density and an attractive arching growth habit.
You can find seeds available on Amazon.
8. Snowbank
The false aster cultivar ‘Snowbank,’ Boltonia asteroides var. latisquama ‘Snowbank,’ aka false chamomile, is a US native perennial for growers in Zones 4 to 9.
It thrives in a full sun location, with medium to moist, well-draining soil. It tolerates dense clay, salt, and some over-saturation.
Unlike the true species that tops out at a leggy five to six feet, ‘Snowbank’ grows to a more compact stature of three to four feet tall at maturity.
Mounding, airy panicles are laden with three-quarter-inch daisy-like flowers consisting of yellow centers and white rays that are sometimes tinged with pink.
Mass plant in drifts, or use as dense hedging. Bloom time is late summer to fall.
You can find packets of 500 seeds from Pase Seeds via Amazon.
9. White Panicled
The white panicled type, Symphyotrichum lanceolatum, is a US native perennial suitable for Zones 3 to 9, and thrives in full to part sun and moist, well-draining soil.
Clusters of mini-blossoms consist of daisy-like rays with prominent yellow disks that redden with age.
Each measures half to three-quarters of an inch across. Heights vary widely from one to five feet tall at maturity.
This species is remarkable for how it clings to its brown and withered leaves as they curl with age.
After other species drop their foliage, panicled types continue to add texture and interest to the garden.
Nan Schiller
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