New England Aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae) has been a cornerstone of our garden. In rich soil New England Aster will grow to over six feet tall! The plant has a strong structure that withstands wind and heavy rain and provides texture and colour throughout the year with its dark purple stems.
New England Aster starts blooming in September and provides colour late into the season. Right now our asters in full sun are beginning to bloom and the ones in the shade are forming buds.
New England Aster will spread by seed fairly easily once established and are very drought tolerant. We have one New England Aster growing in dry silt and it does well every year.
New England Aster does will with early to mid-season pruning to encourage a shorter, bushy plant with more blossoms. I’ve found you can prune a New England Aster back as late as mid-August and it will send out new growth and with buds.