Aster dumosus 'Wood's Purple'

Photo Courtesy of Walters Gardens, Inc.

Common Name: Aster-New York
Common Name (Alternative): Michaelmas Daisy

Densely packed clusters of charming purple, semi-double flowers provide outstanding color in the garden from late summer into fall. Since this species has a dwarf, compact habit, it will not require staking. 'Wood's' selections have shown excellent resistance to mildew and rust.

Asters are excellent cut flowers and attract butterflies. They make a terrific accent to fall blooming grasses and the changing colors of the trees. They are native to North America and are generally very easy to grow.

Origin: Native Cultivar

Characteristics:

Height:
12-16 Inches

Spread:
15-20 Inches

Flower Color:
Purple shades

Foliage Color:
Green shades

Hardiness Zone:
3,4,5,6,7,8
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
  Rain Garden
  Eclectic

Attributes:

Border plants
Container
Cut flower or foliage
Mass Planting
Salt Tolerant

Homeowner Growing & Maintenance Tips:

This species performs best in rich, evenly moist soil and full sun. 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
	*Pennisetum alopecuroides* 'Little Bunny'** Common Name: Grass-Ornamental	5,6,7,8,9
	*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
	Anemone hupehensis Common Name: Anemone-Japanese	5,6,7,8
	Caryopteris 'First Choice' PP11958 CPBRAF Common Name: Blue Mist Shrub	6,7,8,9
	*Miscanthus sinensis* 'Huron Sunrise'** Common Name: Grass-Ornamental	4,5,6,7,8,9
	*Rudbeckia fulgida* 'Goldsturm'** Common Name: Black-Eyed Susan	4,5,6,7,8,9,10
	Sedum 'Autumn Joy' ('Herbstfreude') Common Name: Stonecrop-Autumn	3,4,5,6,7,8,9
	Chrysanthemum 'Samba' Common Name: Mum-Hardy Garden	5,6,7,8,9
	*Buddleia davidii* 'Royal Red'** Common Name: Butterfly Bush	5,6,7,8,9,10

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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