Aster Varieties: 25 Types of Asters to Brighten Your Garden

If you’re searching for a way to prolong garden color into late summer and fall, look no further than asters. Beloved by gardeners and pollinators alike, asters provide a vibrant finale when many other flowers fade, and they come in a diverse array of species, colors, heights, and forms. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore 25 stellar aster varieties, their distinguishing features, care requirements, and how to best showcase them in your landscape.

Why Grow Asters?

• Late-Season Color: Most asters bloom from midsummer into fall, filling a crucial gap as summer flowers wane.
• Pollinator Power: Their daisy-like blooms attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, supporting garden biodiversity.
• Versatility: From compact, cushion habits to towering border stars, there’s an aster for every situation—sun or part shade, moist or dry conditions.
• Easy Care: Once established, asters are generally low-maintenance, making them excellent for novice and experienced gardeners alike.

Types of Aster Flowers

The aster world is broad, with over 170 species and numerous cultivars. Most belong to the genus Symphyotrichum, Aster, or Callistephus, and are native to Europe, Asia, or North America. Below, we categorize popular varieties by species and then introduce key cultivars.

Aster Genus Overview

25 Must-Grow Aster Varieties

Italian Asters (Aster amellus)

‘King George’

• Bloom Color: Violet
• Height: 1–2 ft
• Zones: 5–8
• Compact mounds, star-shaped flowers 2–3 inches wide, excellent for borders and early color.

‘Grunder’

• Bloom Color: Rich lavender
• Height: 2–3 ft
• Zones: 5–8
• Strappy petals with yellow centers, early blooming, thrives in mixed aster plantings.

‘Monch’ (Aster x frikartii)

• Bloom Color: Lavender to blue
• Height: 2–3 ft
• Zones: 5–9
• One of the earliest to flower; extra-long blooming, heat and mildew-resistant, bushy growth.

New England Asters (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae)

• ‘Purple Dome’: Compact, deep purple, 1.5–2 ft tall, famous for dense dome shape.
• ‘Harrington’s Pink’: Tall, pastel pink blossoms, 3–4 ft, robust and upright.
• ‘September Ruby’: Vivid red-purple, tall (up to 5 ft), excellent for back borders.
• ‘Alma Pötschke’: Neon pink blooms, 3–4 ft, great for bold color in fall.

New York Asters (Symphyotrichum novi-belgii)

• ‘Marie Ballard’: Sky blue, double flowers, 3 ft, very floriferous.
• ‘Patricia Ballard’: Pink-lavender, semi-double, upright, 2–3 ft, reliable late bloomer.
• ‘Professor Anton Kippenberg’: Compact, lavender-blue, 1.5–2 ft, mildew-resistant.
• ‘Jenny’: Red-violet flowers, very compact (up to 1 ft), ideal for edging or containers.

China Asters (Callistephus chinensis)

• China Aster Blend: Mix of red, pink, purple, and white; annual; 2–2.5 ft tall; loved by florists for cut arrangements(see ).
• ‘King Size Apricot’: Large, apricot-pink blooms, up to 30 in. tall, long vase life for cut flowers.
• ‘Bonita Top Blue’: Deep blue-mauve, full, round blossoms, 2–2.5 ft, showy in the summer garden.

Other Noteworthy Asters

• ‘October Skies’ (Symphyotrichum oblongifolium): Aromatic, abundant pale blue blooms, compact 18–24 in. plants, drought-tolerant(see ).
• Calico Aster (Symphyotrichum lateriflorum): White petals with yellow centers, airy arching branches, wildlife-friendly, tolerant of part shade.
• Heath Aster (Symphyotrichum ericoides): Clouds of tiny white flowers, tough, drought-resistant, ideal for naturalizing.
• Wood Aster (Eurybia divaricata): Delicate white stars, shade-tolerant, great for woodland gardens.
• Smooth Aster (Symphyotrichum laeve): Blue-lavender blooms, smooth foliage, sturdy stems, adaptable.

More Compact or Unique Cultivars

• ‘Little Carlow’: Masses of small blue-lavender flowers, 2–3 ft, airy and graceful.
• ‘Snow Flurry’: Groundcover, prostrate, tiny white flowers; perfect for rock gardens and edging.
• ‘Lady in Black’: Dark stems and foliage, white-pink flowers, bushy habit.
• ‘Fellowship’: Dense lilac-mauve blooms, compact, suitable for pots.

Aster Planting and Care Essentials

While each variety has preferred conditions, most asters share the following cultural needs:

• Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade; more sun produces the most abundant blooms.
• Soil: Well-drained, loamy soil; avoid wet feet to prevent root rot.
• Watering: Moderate; established plants are drought-tolerant, but regular water during dry spells prolongs flowering.
• Spacing: Allow air circulation to minimize powdery mildew, particularly with New York types.
• Maintenance: Deadhead for longer bloom, divide every 2–3 years to maintain vigor.
• Pest/Disease Watch: Susceptible to lace bugs, aphids, mildew, aster yellows, and root rot; choose resistant varieties like ‘Monch’ for lower maintenance(see ).

Where to Use Asters in the Garden

• Back or middle of mixed perennial borders
• Wildlife or pollinator gardens
• Meadows and naturalized plantings
• Containers (especially compact forms)
• Woodland edges (shade-tolerant types)
• Cut flower beds

Choosing the Best Aster for Your Landscape

When picking among aster varieties, consider:

• Bloom Time: Early, mid, or late season—combine types for continuous color.
• Height: Compact for fronts/edges, tall for back of borders.
• Color Palette: Pure white, pinks, blues, violets, and even reds available.
• Wildlife Value: Native asters support native bees and butterflies.
• Site Conditions: Damp vs. dry soil, sun vs. shade, local climate.

FAQs About Growing and Enjoying Asters

What are the two main types of asters grown in gardens?

New England asters (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae) and New York asters (Symphyotrichum novi-belgii) are the two most common perennial types, known for their striking fall blooms and diversity of cultivars(see ).

Are asters annuals or perennials?

Most garden asters are perennials, especially those native to North America and Europe, but Callistephus chinensis (China aster) is an annual widely grown for cut flowers(see ).

Do asters come in different heights for different garden uses?

Yes, varieties range from under 12 inches (great for edging or containers) to over 6 feet (dramatic back-of-border display).

Can asters tolerate some shade?

Yes, though most prefer full sun, some types like wood aster and calico aster adapt well to part shade. However, more sun generally means more blooms.

How can I prevent disease in my asters?

Choose mildew-resistant varieties, space plants for good air movement, avoid overhead watering, and rotate locations if mildew or aster yellows appears.

Are asters good for pollinator gardens?

Absolutely! Their late-season nectar is valued by bees, butterflies, and other pollinators when few other flowers are available(see ).

Summary: Unlock Late-Season Color With Asters

Asters offer a spectacular finale to the gardening year, with selections to suit almost every design style and growing condition. Whether you opt for dazzling perennial borders, charming annual cut flowers, or wild, naturalized settings, incorporating a mix of aster varieties will ensure months of vibrant blooms and a thriving pollinator haven. Explore, experiment, and enjoy these starry autumn treasures in your garden this season.

Author

Shinta

 

Shinta is a biotechnologist turned writer. She holds a master's degree in Biotechnology from Karunya Institute of Technology and Sciences and a PG Diploma in cellular and molecular diagnostics from Manipal University. Shinta realised her love for content while working as an editor for a scientific journal.

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