Common Name: aromatic aster
Type: Herbaceous perennial
Family: Asteraceae
Zone: 3 to 8
Height: 2.00 to 3.00 feet
Spread: 1.00 to 2.00 feet
Bloom Time: September to November
Bloom Description: Violet blue
Sun: Full sun
Water: Dry to medium
Maintenance: Low
Flower: Showy
Leaf: Fragrant
Attracts: Butterflies
Tolerate: Drought, Erosion, Clay Soil, Dry Soil, Shallow-Rocky Soil
Culture
Easily grown in average, dry to medium, well-drained soil in full sun. Does well in sandy or clay soils. Generally tolerates poor soils and drought.
Noteworthy Characteristics
Symphyotrichum oblongifolium, commonly called aromatic aster, is a Missouri native plant that typically occurs on limestone glades, slopes, prairies and dry open ground. A bushy, stiff, compact, low-growing plant with hairy stems. Typically grows 1-2' (infrequently to 3') tall and features small, daisy-like flowers (1" across) with violet blue rays and yellow center disks. Long bloom period that lasts into late fall. Rigid, toothless, oblong, blue-green leaves (to 4" long) are, as the common name suggests, fragrant when crushed. Good cut flower. Attractive to butterflies.
Genus name comes from the Greek symph meaning coming together and trich meaning hair in possible reference to the flower anthers.
Specific epithet means with oblong leaves.
'Raydons Favorite' is a vigorous selection of aromatic aster that will reach up to 3' tall with a 2' spread and mounding growth habit. In fall plants are covered in a profusion of violet blue, daisy-type flowers that attract butterflies and other insect pollinators.
Problems
No serious insect or disease problems. Some susceptibility to mildew. Some support may be needed for taller plants since stems may tend to splay apart in autumn from the weight of the bloom.
Uses
Open shade gardens, native plant gardens or woodland gardens. Good for mass planting.