Aster oblongifolius 'October Skies'

Photo Courtesy of Walters Gardens, Inc.

Common Name: Aster-Aromatic

A shorter, bushy selection with finely textured, mint-scented foliage. Beginning in late summer, a myriad of daisy-like flowers with yellow centers and petals the color of the autumn sky in New England appear.

Asters are native to North America and are generally very easy to grow.

Introducer: The Primrose Path

Origin: Native Cultivar

Characteristics:

Height:
18-24 Inches

Spread:
20-24 Inches

Flower Color:
Blue shades

Foliage Color:
Green shades

Hardiness Zone:
5,6,7,8
Find Your Zone

Sun or Shade?:
Full sun (> 6 hrs. direct sun)

Wet or dry?:
Average water needs

Want to see wings?:
Attracts butterflies

How fast should it grow?:
Medium

When should it bloom?:
  Late summer
  Early fall
  Mid-fall

How's your soil?:
Fertile Soil

Sweet or Sour Soil?:
Neutral Soil (pH = 7.0)
Alkaline Soil (pH > 7.0)

What's your garden style?:
  Container/Patio
  Prairie
  Eclectic

Attributes:

Border plants
Container
Cut flower or foliage
Fragrant flowers or foliage
Mass Planting
Salt Tolerant

Homeowner Growing & Maintenance Tips:

This species performs best in rich, evenly moist soil and full sun, though it is also tolerant of drought and poor soil. Give them lots of room to grow; good air circulation will help to prevent powdery mildew. To maintain their health and vigor, divide plants every couple of years in the spring.

Companions:

	Common/Botanical Name	Zones
	Sedum 'Autumn Joy' ('Herbstfreude') Common Name: Stonecrop-Autumn	3,4,5,6,7,8,9
	*Rudbeckia fulgida* 'Goldsturm'** Common Name: Black-Eyed Susan	4,5,6,7,8,9,10
	Pennisetum alopecuroides Common Name: Grass-Ornamental	5,6,7,8,9
	*Echinacea purpurea* 'Magnus'** Common Name: Coneflower-Purple	3,4,5,6,7,8
	*Artemisia schmidtiana* 'Silver Mound'** Common Name: Silver Mound Artemesia	3,4,5,6,7
	Amsonia hubrichtii Common Name: Blue Star-Arkansas	4,5,6,7,8,9
	Chrysanthemum 'Bolero' Common Name: Mum-Hardy Garden	5,6,7,8,9
	*Festuca glauca* 'Boulder Blue'** Common Name: Grass-Ornamental	4,5,6,7,8
	*Buddleia davidii* 'Attraction'** Common Name: Butterfly Bush	5,6,7,8,9,10
	*Miscanthus sinensis* 'Little Zebra' PP13008** Common Name: Grass-Ornamental	5,6,7,8,9
	*Caryopteris incana* 'Blue Myth'** Common Name: Blue Mist Shrub	5,6,7,8,9

Fun Facts:

"Aster" is latin for "star," in reference to the shape of its flower.

While every effort has been made to describe this plant accurately, please keep in mind that the height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates throughout the country. The description of this plant was written based on our experience growing it in Michigan (USDA hardiness zone 5) and on numerous outside resources.

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