Asters are easy-going, fall-blooming flowers that attract pollinators when many perennials are finishing up for the summer. In early September, the Wood’s Purple Aster produces small, semi-double, lilac-purple flowers with bright yellow-orange eyes. This dense, mounding perennial grows 12 to 15 inches tall and 18 to 24 inches wide, ushering in fall with its mass of flowers. Even through the summer, the Wood’s Purple Aster is dense with lively green leaves, biding its time while requiring little maintenance. The Wood’s Purple Aster is disease and deer resistant, making it an ideal choice for sunny gardens in close proximity to woodlands. While not truly drought resistant, the Wood’s Purple Aster gets through the summer with an average amount of water, requiring regular watering in the hottest and driest months. This North America native requires a little maintenance in the early spring and fall to keep its shape and prevent it from becoming leggy. Plant the Wood’s Purple Aster in a sunny perennial garden, paired with spring- and summer-blooming plants to create a continuously blooming garden, or keep it in a large container to bring color to a patio or porch. Wood’s Purple Aster CareAsters grow best in average, well-draining soil rich in organic matter. To plant the Wood’s Purple Aster, dig a hole that is twice the width and as deep as the root ball. Amend the soil as needed to ensure adequate drainage. Water the Wood’s Purple Aster regularly through the growing season as Asters are not particularly tolerant of drying out completely. Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in the spring to aid in new growth. Taller-growing asters can become leggy without yearly pruning. In the early spring or summer, pinch the tips of the growing branches, removing about one-third of the height to encourage fuller growth. Once the Wood’s Purple Aster has finished blooming and after the first hard freeze, cut the entire plant back to a few inches above the soil, and rake up any remaining leaves to allow the plant to overwinter. If you wish to add a bit of winter interest and feed the birds, hold off on cutting the plant back until the late winter before new growth begins. Wood’s Purple Aster SpacingPlant the Wood’s Purple Aster 1 to 2 feet away from other plants to allow for full growth. To create a mass planting, space plants slightly closer together. Choose a container that is at least twice the width of the root ball to allow for room to grow. Always choose a pot with a drainage hole. Wood’s Purple Aster InformationUSDA Hardiness Zones: 4 – 8Plant Type: PerennialLight Exposure: Partial Sun to Full Sun (At Least 5 Hours of Direct Sunlight)Mature Height: 12 – 15 InchesMature Spread: 18 – 24 InchesSpacing: 18 – 24 InchesHabit: MoundedFlower Color(s): PurpleFlower Description: Light Pinkish-PurpleBloom Period: Starting Early SeptemberFoliage Type: HerbaceousFoliage Color(s): GreenFoliage Description: Glossy Dark GreenSeasonal Interest: Fall FloweringWatering: LowResists: Deer, Rabbit, DiseaseTolerates: Drought, SaltAttracts: Birds, ButterfliesContainer Role: Uses: Borders, Containers, EdgingFeatures: Attracts Pollinators, Cut Flowers, Low MaintenanceBrand: Common Name: Wood’s Purple AsterOther Name(s): Woods Purple AsterScientific Name: Aster ‘Wood’s Purple’
