As leaves fall, asters bloom

Dozens of native species bring amazing color
By: 
Rob Zimmer
Columnist

With explosive plumes of gorgeous late summer and fall color, the asters are now beginning to bloom across our area. In shades of pink, purple, lavender, blue and white, our native asters put on a spectacular show to close out the wildflower year.

Dozens of native species of asters can be found in our area, most blooming now in September into October. Some will last up until Halloween or beyond if the weather stays relatively mild. Asters can handle quite a bit of frost, meaning they will continue to bloom even after a few frosty nights.

The most popular asters for native landscaping and gardening are the big purple New England asters. The beautiful, daisy-like flowers with the golden centers are attractive to butterflies, especially migrating monarchs that are moving through about the time the aster season begins.

New England asters are also attractive to hummingbirds, drawn to their brightly colored blossoms. Honeybees, bumblebees and other pollinators also utilize these late blooming perennials for a precious source of pollen and nectar.

Many other species of asters bloom this time of year, also. Smooth aster blooms in a beautiful pale blue and is quite versatile, growing in sun or shade, as well as wet or dry soil.

There are a number of varieties of aster that bloom in shimmering white. Flat topped aster is named for its flattened clusters of yellow and white blossoms that are found mostly in shady locations at the forest edge.

Frost aster and heath aster also bloom in white and are found in open fields and roadside edges. Each plant may produce hundreds of tiny white blossoms that look as though the tips were frosted in delicate white. These are among the latest blooming of the asters and may still be around on Thanksgiving if weather remains relatively mild.

Asters make wonderful companion plants in the garden to many perennial varieties. Sedum, black eyed Susan, Joe pye weed, purple coneflowers, wild sunflowers of many kinds, as well as elegant ornamental grasses all make wonderful companion plants for blooming asters in September, October and into November.

There are a number of garden-variety hybrid asters that are equally beautiful. Many of these are bred to be dwarf in size, maybe growing 1-2 feet in height rather than the much larger height of native New England aster and others. These hybrid asters bloom in many shades of blue, pink and purple.

Enjoy the magic and beauty of aster season over the next few months.

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